IS HE NOT MY BROTHER?

Sometime ago, while attending our daughter's graduation, my husband and I arrived early for the first day's celebration and found seats which were near the front and perfect for our vision. The time was drawing near for the graduation to begin and the seats next to me were still empty when I noticed a small group of people walking and chattering down our isle. As I looked up to see them, I was surprised to see a homeless man sitting down next to me. He looked over at me and smiled and said, "Hello." Although my initial reaction was one of concern, amazingly, I noticed his warm brown eyes and I sensed that he was a kind and gentle person. He was with other people who also seemed to be kind and gentle but obviously had their own challenges. They had been befriended by a graduate with his work as a counselor, and because of his great love for them, he had invited them to attend the graduation. They embraced him and you could see the joy in their faces in his presence. But what was I to do? The thought crossed my mind that in a way I was being tested to see what kind of person I really am. Was I to get up and find a new seat? Was I to let him know of my displeasure with his smell? Was I to ask him to move? How could I possibly take having him sit next to me for two whole hours with his terrible odor?

So I sat there and I questioned to myself, "Is he not my brother, my neighbor, and perhaps at some other time, my friend?" A remarkable thing began to happen. I started to observe this small band of friends and I delighted in their interaction with each other. They were filled with happiness and joy. They spoke lovingly and respectfully towards each other. They were happy to be together. Who was I to look at them and see only what displeased me for are we not all children of God? So, I decided that I must sit next to him no matter what. It was an interesting experience to say the least.

As the graduation progressed, and at a most reverent part of the ceremony when the audience was hushed and you could have heard a pin drop, they decided to snack on a box of wheat thins and a container of sour cream. The rustling of the box, the dipping of the sour cream, and the chewing of the crackers irritated others who turned around to stare at them. By this time, I had become completely fascinated by the inner workings of this little band of friends. I delighted in their desire to share crackers and sour cream with each other and the fact that they were completely oblivious to the displeasure of others around them. I observed their innocence and their genuine love for each other, and I again thought to myself, "Is he not my brother, my friend, and my neighbor--if only for two hours?" And so I sat there and observed and enjoyed their sociality wishing that I had my own box of crackers and sour cream dip and some friends to share it with. After the graduation was over and refreshments served, they joyfully embraced the man who had invited them. They rejoiced in his accomplishment and in his friendship. The graduate already knew about them what I was taught--to appreciate and know that we are all children of God and that He delights in each of us no matter what our circumstances.