Right as I thought there would be no quote for Advent Day #10, and after I posted my own thoughts, Michael posted and I feel that I need to (want to really) post on this as well. So 12/8/2015 will get two Advent posts.
Michael's quote today was related to homelessness:
"Christmas is built on a beautiful and intentional paradox: that the birth of a homeless child should be celebrated in every home. — G. K. Chesterton"
And, as a discipline, Michael suggests, "Today as you go through your day, see if you can be better than usual about noticing the homeless people you pass by, even almost step over." Now, I cannot say that today I did anything "better than usual," but I will say that I understand this sentiment completely, and I do my best to humanize all with whom I come in contact. At a holiday function last night, I went out of my way to say "Thank You" and "Happy Holidays" not just to my fellow guests, but also those who were working the event. When I do encounter someone on the street, or in front of a store, I do make eye contact and talk with them. I admit that, if they ask me for money, I often say no, and hope that they find their way to a resource that can provide what they need. But, I agree with Michael that humanizing others is a first step in understanding their situation and that, at any time, if you look someone in the face, "You might just see Jesus looking back at you." So, since I was not able to practice this discipline today, since I was in my own home by the time I saw the quote, I will try to practice it all during Advent, and beyond. Because, as Psalm 41 reminds us,
"Happy are those who consider the poor
the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble.
The Lord protects them and keeps them alive"
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