When I was in elementary school in Pittsburg, PA, all students were required to learn the French language. I remember very well how to say, “Good Morning, Sister,” and in response to her statement as she walked in the room, “I will sit down.”
It wasn’t until high school in California, that I learned more practical words, like asking directions and ordering food from a French menu. As it turns out, my high school lessons came in handy when our parents, one of my sisters, and I traveled for three weeks in Europe.
When we weren’t with the tour group, my classroom French lessons magically came in to my mind while asking for, and receiving directions to the popular landmarks, and most importantly, we never went hungry! I correctly interpreted the French menus and ordered (semi) confidently for my family. Not only did we receive what we ordered, but I only had to ask the person to “please speak more slowly” once!
While not a remarkable feat today, due to the many language translation programs at the tips of our mobile phone fingers, it was amazing in 1979. Armed with a French/English dictionary (not a phrase book) and my child-like understanding of the language, we were able to appreciate a country and culture that was very different from our own.
Because of my willingness to understand differences, I became a life-long advocate for compassion. People don’t think, speak, act, or look like I do, and I cannot expect them to, or judge them because they don’t. When we take time to invest in understanding the “other,” whether intellectually or spiritually, we just might find a treasure trove of compassion we haven’t known before.
We look forward to seeing you this Sunday, whether in-person or on Zoom, as we continue our deeper look at the Power of Understanding.
Blessing you abundantly,
Rev. Eileen
