Thursday, July 25, 2013

I don't know you...

I haven't walked a mile in your shoes.
 
Or even a block.
 
I don't know what pain you are suffering...
in mind or in body.
 
I don't know your worries.
 
I don't know your sad stories.
 
I don't know about the phone calls you got before you came out today...
 
...or the news your best friend just told you on the phone.
 
I don't know you.
I'm sorry that sometimes I feel quick to judge you.
 
That sometimes I get snappy with you when you reach in front of me to grab the frozen peas at the grocery store.
 
I'm sorry that I don't offer you a smile.
 
Or a compliment.
 
Or a kind word.
 
Or a non-glare.
 
I don't know you.
 
And I am going to work on that.
 
I am going to work on my tolerance.
 
And I am going to smile at you today and tell what a pretty shade of purple your t-shirt is.
 
I don't know you.
 
But I'm really sorry that things feel so awful right now.
 
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21 comments:

  1. LynnJuly 25, 2013 at 4:20 AM

    Good timing:@)

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  2. AnonymousJuly 25, 2013 at 5:59 AM

    Yes, I needed to 'read' and hear this too ~ Thanks, Jenny ~ Great macro photos ^_^ ~ Happy Day too.

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  3. Margaret (Peggy or Peg too)July 25, 2013 at 6:04 AM

    Show them your "eyebrows" they will be quick to smile and you will know them.

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  4. Rocky Mountain WomanJuly 25, 2013 at 7:30 AM

    love it...

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  5. AmyJuly 25, 2013 at 8:03 AM

    If only more people had compassion like this. If only more people thought before they acted. This is beautiful.

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  6. Eden House News and viewsJuly 25, 2013 at 8:08 AM

    Wow as a nation we should read this in the uk

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  7. Janie JunebugJuly 25, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    We all need to say this to the world.

    Love,
    Janie

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  8. Busy Bee SuzJuly 25, 2013 at 12:06 PM

    YOU are awesome. And yes, I KNOW you. :)
    XOXO

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  9. JennyJuly 25, 2013 at 12:25 PM

    Thanks, Jenny. I needed this. I have been dealing with my sister-in-law's Alzheimer's and my nephew got mad at me that I mentioned his mother had the disease on my blog. That upset me and I thought, he doesn't know me or how I write. I would never hurt someone intentionally. It has made me take a look at what I am saying viewed from someone else's eyes. xo Jenny

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  10. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiJuly 25, 2013 at 12:30 PM

    This was beautiful, Jenny! It is true we can't know what another is going through in their lives. We all have our struggles and needs. It is a good reminder to keep kindness in our hearts. Bless you!

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  11. JJuly 25, 2013 at 2:49 PM

    I loved this, Jenny.

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  12. AnonymousJuly 25, 2013 at 7:44 PM

    This is beautiful.

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  13. PondsideJuly 25, 2013 at 8:39 PM

    Oh boy - I wish I had read this before I headed out to work this morning! It would have helped....a lot!

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  14. RitaJuly 25, 2013 at 9:26 PM

    What a truly lovely post. :)

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  15. Siggi in Downeast MaineJuly 25, 2013 at 9:46 PM

    I always need a figurative whack in the head....poetically today was perfect.
    Wonderful poem.
    Peace
    Siggi

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  16. pasqueflowerJuly 26, 2013 at 8:03 AM

    Beautiful message.

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  17. TheresaJuly 26, 2013 at 4:10 PM

    Sweet Jenny:) Love you to pieces! Have a blessed weekend, HUGS!

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  18. Pat TillettJuly 26, 2013 at 5:04 PM

    That was really good Jenny! I could certainly be be a little more tolerant sometimes. I have a short fuse when it comes to people who are having a bad day, taking it out on me. Especially so if I don't know them.
    Granny used to say, "if you are having a bad day, you should be the only one who knows it."

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  19. AnonymousJuly 27, 2013 at 11:09 AM

    Well done that one! When you know what it feels like to be on the other side of that glare and you are hurting so much, it would be good to know; that 'Jenny' was the person you bumped into next.
    Thanks
    Liz

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  20. Susan AndersonJuly 31, 2013 at 7:31 AM

    We should all strive for this...

    =)

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  21. Splendid Little StarsJuly 31, 2013 at 1:05 PM

    paradigm shift.
    We never really do know, do we?
    might as well extend some compassion.

    ReplyDelete

Hi! Thanks for leaving a comment! My handy dandy e-mail assistant always notifies me when you do and I read every single one.

I try to respond to comments with a return e-mail BUT I just noticed that I've been answering a lot of them to blogs that haven't linked their e-mail address to their Google account! I haven't been ignoring your comments, but now I know you aren't getting my reply e-mails! I'm sorry!

I know a lot of other bloggers who respond to comments via e-mail so if you haven't left off your e-mail on purpose, you might want to add it on! If you don't know how you can let me know in your comment and I'll see if I can help you!

Thanks so much for reading my 'Tangents'! Your comments always feel like a hug!

Jenny Matlock