I visited a local coffee house today, where I occasionally go to take a rest from my walks and shopping errands. An out of town visitor was in conversation with the owner. The visitor had a large, well-behaved dog at his side, on a leash.
As the guest was leaving, I commented that his dog was very well-behaved. The man looked at me and he asked me, “Are you being sarcastic?” And yet, I had been very sincere, wanting to reassure this man, as he seemed hesitant about the dog’s behavior.
Soon, the out of town guest departed, and the owner mentioned that this man had always felt deeply hurt. He was visiting our town after several years absence. The owner, who has insights and knowledge about her coffee house patrons, said the man was looking for love.
I realized how loneliness and suffering may lead one to see difficulties where none exist. To stay within the dark emptiness rather than be able to accept a friend or a compliment.
” I feel he is reflecting to me a side of my self that has been healed and transformed.” I said.
This man reminded me of my own past behavior. I feel compassion for him. The owner at the coffee shop said to me, “You certainly have been reborn. That you see his suffering and that you feel compassion for him is a gift.”
I thanked the owner of our local coffee shop for saying this to me. This was her gift to me. Thank you, Meher Baba, for helping me to see myself more clearly.
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