I’ve written about this several times and in different ways. If I comment on “the beauty of God’s creation,” most will see visions of stunning landscapes and the beauty of the oceans. When I ponder the beauty of God’s creation, my mind goes to my fellow human beings and their kindness.
I understand if you have difficulty going there. All you must do is go to the political opinion columns and talk shows. They’re full of hatred for others whether you are on the left or right. “If you disagree, you’re spreading hate!” Both sides make the same claim. How sadly absurd.
Most of you know that I’m battling Stage 4 stomach cancer, and wow ... it’s been a roller coaster of a journey. I’m writing you today from my local hospital where I spiked a fever after my recent surgery and was admitted last night.
When I was rushed into the ER, I was surrounded by caring nurses. Because I didn’t get permission, I’ll not use real names. Bill, the triage nurse didn’t ask me who I voted for but instead showed genuine concern. He saw me, my value, and my worth - not by my political party - but because I am simply human. And I saw him - a human. I asked his name and about his family. He seemed grateful.
Bill passed me into a treatment room in the ER where I was quickly met by a doctor. He also saw me not by my political party, but as a human who needed care and attention. He showed genuine concern and compassion. The subject of climate change never came up, nut instead we were two humans who saw value and worth in each other.
I was taken care of by a nurse’s aid named Sam. I found out he’s finishing up his RN certificate and said, “I’m excited to make a difference.” I assured him that he already is ... he paused, smiled, and said thank you. I’m guessing he may be 20. The last thing I said to him was, “Sam, your parents must be so proud of you.” His face lit up and he said, “I’ll tell them you said so.”
I was then moved to a room on the fifth floor. I make it a point to get everyone’s name, ask them where they were from, and compliment them on something. In return, the care I’ve received has been amazing ... and through it all there was not a single political discussion, and everyone smiled. Here, we are humans who have value and worth, not predicated by our political affiliation, but simply because we are humans who are created in the image of God.
I’ve really enjoyed my time here being kind and receiving kindness in return. I’ve tried to get them to open as I opened myself to them. I’ve experienced the beauty of God’s creation, up close and personal.
In today’s polarized environment, and often behind computer screens, we demonize one another by spewing hateful words simply because someone else voted differently than I did. As one Pastor Andy Stanley once remarked, “You’re scaring the kids!” And for what?
The deeper we dive into God’s creation, the more we realize, there’s so much we don’t know. And yet, so many act as though they are experts, and the rest of the world is foolish. But what if it isn’t our job to know? What if our purpose is much more significant and even simpler than knowing everything? What if we are fighting over the wrong thing? What if we are missing the mark entirely? Maybe it’s just this simple: we are here to love and be loved. Perhaps one of the greatest reminders comes from Jesus himself, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” I think he was onto something.
Gary W. Moore is a freelance columnist, speaker, and author of three books including the award-winning, critically acclaimed, “Playing with the Enemy.” Follow Gary on Twitter @GaryWMoore721 and at www.garywmoore.com