Despite the bus heading toward me on Allen Street, I stopped in the crosswalk.
As I make my way around campus, I’ve noticed that buses seem to be among the vehicles least likely to slow down or stop for a pedestrian to cross the street. In a way, I guess it makes sense. Drivers have a schedule to keep, are often carrying dozens of passengers, and probably grow a little numb to pedestrians as they spend their entire shift driving past hundreds of them. I don’t test their generosity when I see a bus heading my direction. I stop and wait to cross until the bus has passed by. Usually.
Today was different, though. Walking to my office, I began to cross Allen Street near Pasquerilla Spiritual Center. I heard a bus coming from Curtin Road near the library, but knew I could make it across the street before the bus reached me, so I stepped into the street. Then I saw a student running alongside the bus, waving. He was trying to catch the bus.
In the center of the street, I paused. The bus slowed down. The student kept running. I gestured to ask the student if he needed the bus to stop, then gestured to let the driver know there was someone chasing the bus. Then I continued to the other side of the street. The bus passed me. The student passed me. And at the bus stop 20 yards from where I stood, the bus waited while the student caught up and boarded the bus. Hooray!
There is no way for me to know if my actions had anything at all to do with that student catching the bus this morning, but I am still glad I tried to help. It took less than 10 seconds. And no matter what else happens in that student’s life today, this morning, at least two people saw his need, and did something to try and help.
I expect the student was pleased to catch the bus. He surely had a reason for running and waving. But surprisingly, I am also pleased he caught the bus. I am glad that the bus driver waited at an empty bus stop for longer than usual to make it possible, and that the student’s run was not in vain.
In those very few seconds on the street, I had begun to empathize with him, have compassion for his need, and care that things turned out well. I am convinced that this is what it means to love our neighbor. To notice the needs around us. To do what we can to help fill those needs. To rejoice when things turn out well for our neighbor, whether we know them or not.
Though it was a tiny event, somehow, the care and love of God was there. And I am a little bit happier today because of it. –ara
Prayer
God of Love,
You have surrounded me with a vast variety of neighbors.
Help me to see them all as your beloved children.
Open my eyes and my heart to their needs.
Show me how I may be of help.
Fill me with empathy, care and compassion.
Help me live the love you pour down on me.
Touch my life by using me to reach out to others.
Amen.