THE STORY WITHIN

[Photo Source: Google online images --  Fall with many colors on two sides of a Path with depth.]

(I wrote this on 21 OCT 2011, thinking of someone special and how they changed their attitude from one of condescension to prayer for another.  Hopefully, those of my acquaintance will take the time to 'hear' my Story and hold me in their prayers.  -dht)

Whenever I hear an account about the behavior or actions of another – I usually wonder about what Life circumstances led those individuals to the lives that they lead.

There are so many factors that affect our Lives, that influence our decisions, and that determine our Life's Path.

A quick cursory observation of another's Life Decisions, too often result in an unfortunate and biased opinion.

It is amazing to me that so many of those old sayings hold so much truth - - 

"There but for the Grace of God, go I !"  [~unknown]

"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes."  [~Jack Handey]

"Three quarters of the miseries and misunderstandings in the world would finish, if people were to put on the shoes of their adversaries and understood their points of view."  [~Mahatma Gandhi]

"You never truly know someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes."  [~unknown]

"You have brains in your head.  You have feet in your shoes.  You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.  You're on your own.  And, you know what you know.  You are the one who'll decide where to go.'  [~Dr. Seuss]

It would seem that more compassionate answers would surface, if you were to know the 'whole' of another's situation, and would pause and take the time to wonder and question the motives and actions of others with your Heart.

There is always a Story Within the Story – within the individual – within the situation.  It takes a special person to see "The Story Within".

The rewards of using this kind of introspection are many, but may require one to set aside all their preconceived ideas of propriety, etiquette, commitment, politics, faith, or whatever.  Personal growth and maturation are but some of the rewards for a compassionate Heart and mind.

Learning and understanding The Story Within the Story is an incredible Journey, and one that has precedence in the Biblical Sense – in the miracles of Forgiveness and Love.

So before you venture an opinion about me, try to hear The Story Within the Story of my Life!

[Dorothy Hazel Tarr - 2011]