Sunday, September 2, 2012

The Burden




I was surprised when the elevator doors opened revealing a twenty-ish  couple.
That alone wouldn't be so stunning but the fact that the female was riding piggy-back
was certainly not what I expected, especially in a hospital.

I smiled at them, laughing a little as I did.
There was something about them but I wasn't sure what it was.
He was tall and thin, shaved head except for a strip in the middle which appeared to be
some sort of bluish-green color.  Jeans and a T-shirt completed the outfit.
I believe there may have been several tattoos.
She had long dark hair, dressed in a similarly casual outfit, 
tightly gripping his neck and shoulders.
They were discussing their visit to a relative.

When the doors opened again on the next floor I stepped back
 and asked them to go ahead of me.
He was carrying the burden, I was just wheeling a laptop bag.
"No," he said, "you first."
Polite.

I had stopped to arrange my bag so I followed them out.
He lightly deposited her on the ground and she apologized to him.
She said she should have brought her walker in.
He told her it wasn't a problem.
He left her under the portico to get the car.
We are in the remnants of hurricane Issac, 
day long rains here in the St. Louis area.
She obviously didn't want to get her walker soaked.

I thought what a sight they must be to many who viewed them
as he piggybacked her to the main door.
Why would they be playing around in a hospital of all places.
Look at how they were dressed.  No respect.
They probably didn't overhear what I did.
It wasn't a burden that he carried by any means .

We need to remember this before judging others.

I will deal with them according to their conduct, and by their own standards I will judge them. . .
Ezekiel 7:27

clip art image credit








11 comments:

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

A good reminder...it is not ours to judge, this life and the people we meet along the way. When we come to that cross roads-- we are better off using all that God has given us to take it all in; eyes and ears...and a sound mind. Many people see,hear and Do NOT think-- because of ignorance and fear. :) Pat

Gorges Smythe said...

Excellent post!

Susie Swanson said...

This is very inspiring.. So true..Great post..I'm your new follower..

Wendy Haught said...

Loved the story and the lesson. I think smiling first is pretty much always a good idea when faced with unusual situations. You handled it well.

Kathy Felsted Usher said...

Thank you everyone. Thank you too Susie. I am following you too now.

LindaG said...

Amen. Great post!
Have a blessed day. ♥

Emily Cromer said...

Kathy your post made me cry! Great post!

Candy C. said...

Great post Kathy and a reminder to us all not to judge too quickly!

Kathy Felsted Usher said...

Linda: Thank you, we will.
Emily It was quite touching to see their interaction.
Candy I am guilty at time too! It's to remind me as well.

becky3086 said...

Oh I will pass this one on! Very nice but was it true?

Kathy Felsted Usher said...

Oh yes, very true. I've been visiting at the hospital every day for a week so I'm on the elevators a lot. This was out of the ordinary but very touching when you knew what was happening behind the scenes.