See...
I was talking with a friend today and realized that my image of them and the actual reality of their life was two different things. Sure, the major stuff I had right...the place where she worked, her academic endeavors, the name of her boyfriend, and even some historical facts. But the reality of it is that I had a superficial view of things.
As she began to describe some of the things that were going on in her life, I came to understand that we are comfortable with the superficial...the facade. We operate well when we don't have to get our hands dirty with the down and dirty details of everyday life. That is not to say that we are a heartless people. We most certainly do help those with whom we have intimate bonds. But the point I'm trying to make is that everyone you see walking down the street is not okay. There are hurts and pains, scars from past events, depression, anxiety, and a host of other maladies lurking just beneath the surface. We all experience some of these things in our own lives from time to time. I just want to see...
To see what is really there. To be able to make a meaningful impact on those with whom I have regular contact.... To join with them in their sorrows, struggles, and grief as well as sharing the momentous and happy occasions.... To let them know that they are important and meaningful in my life and that they matter in this existence we call life.
But, more than that, I wish to see that others around me, no matter who they are, are all dealing with their own personal issues that affect who they are and what they do. When I encounter someone who irritates me, or does something to me with which I take offense or disagree, I want to have the presence of mind to realize that there are things that I cannot see that may be at work.
We are all human and worthy of respect.
For more on that idea: