I listened to the scoffers at the table next to mine with interest. While they did not recognize me, I knew the people and context of their ridicule. If one only heard their perspective, it is hard to imagine anyone stepping up in defense. Their words painted every detail and individual in black and white. There was no expression of doubt. I could not sense any uncertainty. Every point was clear, concise, and a stepping stone that led a rationale thinker to a conclusion.
It was a black and white picture, understandable except for a reality; I had access to the greater picture. The missing pieces brought color, context, and depth. The greater story was filled with compassion, mercy, and charity. It even had a bit of tension that comes when balancing and applying one’s principles in the chaos of living.
I almost jumped in. In my pause, the psalmist words echoed; “The insolent ridicule me without mercy, but I don’t budge from your revelation.” (Psalm 119.51) The questions rattling around included the following.
How many times have I ridiculed and criticized others, especially when I came to realize later that the story I knew was incomplete or misunderstood? Given the number, was I in any position to call these individuals out?
When I was in their shoes, was I willing or able to hear more than what I was already certain of? My optimistic answer to the rhetorical was “doubtful”. With this is mind, was there any reason to inject more into a closed situation?
Given the situations of certainty that I now see very differently, was this situation a call to action? There are several fences that can be mended and supported. There are abandoned and neglected relationships that can be nurtured. Clearly there is work to be done within my reach before stepping into the lives of individuals I do not know.
I left the table with a compassionate glance at the table next door, hoping that my compassion to others also extended to myself. Charity should start within to be effective without.
