(Continued from Reconcile, A Story: The Travelers, Part 2)
Love took the coffee offered by her host. “Thank you.” A simple nod, sans smile, accompanied the host’s face as he turned back to his weaving. “May I watch you as you work?” Another nod. Nothing more. Love sat, observing the intricate tapestry. It was nearly completed, with the scene neatly unfolding. It wasn’t a beautiful scene. In fact, it seemed filled with anxiety and fear. “I am the town’s historian,” the host spoke at last, gesturing to other tapestries covering the walls of his home. “They tell the story of our past, and help the children understand our customs.” Love stood and walked closer to the other tapestries. She paused before each one, taking in the stories. Each one had loud, overbearing, mean individuals depicted with many angry, harsh words. Some were shouting at cowering children. Some were cornering hard working women. Some were disparaging gracious men. “Ahhhhh,” Love sighed softly, “You and the other townsfolk have created a sanctuary, here on this bluff, away from the cursing and the harm found in harsh words.” Love is always one to see past the surface to the deeper reality. The host looked up from his work, without even a hint of a smile, he said, “Another group may have turned to singing and dancing to overcome. Our ancestors predisposed us to straight faces and minimal words. We have still created peace.”
May we pursue like-mindedness by appreciating the feelings and experiences of others, without judgement. May our compassion grow to yearn for the story behind the presentation. May our empathy increase our understanding of powerful emotions and their effect on ourselves, our families, our communities. May we all cultivate the humbleness to ask what we are missing. May we look past the surface to gain an appreciation for the deeper reality.
Photo Credit: NappyStock, https://nappy.co/NappyStock
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