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My parents recently visited my sister and her family to help them move. After a long day’s work, they were exhausted and ready for a well-deserved night’s sleep. That’s when the noise started: a loud and unusual wailing. It sounded like a dog, but no one was quite sure. It went on all night long.
The next morning, a tired and frustrated neighbor came to ask my family if they’d heard the noise, hoping my sister’s dog was not the source. It was natural to wonder what kind of family would be irresponsible enough to let their pet keep the entire block awake.
A little investigation revealed that the noise was indeed from a neighborhood dog named Ally. Her best buddy and sidekick of 10 years had been put down, and Ally was grieving. The noise was the only way she knew to express her heartache, pain, and loss.
Suddenly, everyone’s perspectives shifted from judgement to empathy. And instead of finger-pointing, they offered love and support.
How many times do we falsely judge each other by outward “wailing”? I’ve done it and it’s been done to me.
It’s easy to sit back and assess a situation without knowing the story behind the noise: “Can you believe they did that?” “What’s wrong with him?” “How did she not know?” “They just need to do this.”
My challenge for all of us is to assume less and to understand more. To put ourselves in other people’s shoes. And to love people where they are… regardless of the noise.
Your friend,
J.
#loveyourneighbor #shareitfwd
