Those Eyes

"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked,

and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved,

 and uncared for it the greatest poverty."

Mother Teresa

A homeless man sits on the city sidewalk, waiting for coins to drop into his cup. He is not begging for money, but his disheveled appearance makes his condition perfectly clear. His skin is covered with filth, but those eyes. There is something entirely engaging when one takes the time to intentionally gaze into those eyes. 

There were those who look straight ahead but keep an eye on him using peripheral vision as though he would attack at any moment. Others land a full gaze on him and then quickly jerk their head away. Then come the kind ones who acknowledge his presence with a smile or by politely placing money in his cup with respect. 

The circumstances that cast him to this space are unknown. Family or friends may not even know where he is or care. No one has any idea as to when he was last hugged or told that he made a difference. It costs absolutely nothing to look into his face and offer a tender smile. And those eyes ... what has he seen and endured.

Abundant Love

                                                       

"Go out into the world today and

love the people you meet."

Mother Teresa

Love is endless and deeply needed in our world of today. Certain personalities do not like to gather,  while other temperaments are drawn to crowds.  Monasteries offer seclusion and cities invite   interaction.  

No matter what scenario we are living in, love can be in abundance.  If we are staggering on an unfamiliar road, we can look up and see love in the moon and stars.  If we are surrounded by beauty, but our hearts abused, we can find love in meditations envisioning future love.

The good news is we can choose to be filled with love in the face of disparity. We can stay warm inside remembering that God/Universe has a plan we simply cannot see.  Whether we are harshly washed ashore, challenged by crashing waves or simply going with the flow, love is present.  In essence, we must have faith that love is there, never ending and continuously replenishing.  Choose, and a shift  of love will begin.

 

I See You

"There is hunger for ordinary bread,

and there is hunger for love, for kindness, for thoughtfulness;

and this is the great poverty that makes people suffer so much."

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

The hunger for loving touch eats away at the body, mind, and soul.     As human beings, we hunger for love, kindness, and thoughtfulness.  The bellies may be empty,  but the absence of acceptance can be even more deadly.

We may not have the network to tend to the emotional survival of others, but we do have a smile for each and every human we meet.

Too much time is focused on what we cannot do, instead of placing creative attention on what we can do.  Poverty includes much more than lack of monetary needs.  As human beings to human beings, we need to make a connection by reaching out in any way we can.

Send love out into the world while driving.  Embrace neighbors and friends when possible.  Exchange pleasantries with fellow shoppers.  Lavish smiles upon passers by.  Send prayers for the needs of others while holding them in our heart.  Meditate or visualize the warm glow of love encircling communities or countries.  Focus on the empty faces and offer them a promise, "I see you!"