Today as I walked into the hospital were I'm a volunteer, I held open the door for the person behind me.
I heard a deep masculine voice chuckling. "Now my mother taught me I was supposed to open the door for you!"
Turning around I saw a tall, stocky older gentleman dressed in faded overalls and a blue T-shirt holding a single rose wrapped in florist paper.
Laughing I replied, "Looking over my shoulder when I go through a door is a practice I started several years ago. You can open the next door", I suggested pausing in the entry way between the two doors leading to the hospital.
Many years ago I wanted to find ways to honor people, whether I know them or not. The simple act of holding the door for the person behind me to walk through is a way to honor Christ who lives in all and affirm a stranger who happened to cross my path. Not knowing what others are dealing with, I like to offer at least one act of kindness a person can remember from his or her day.
These lines from the prayer of St. Patrick, remind me to bring holiness to a common act:
"Christ be with me, Christ within me.
Christ behind me, Christ before me."
Christ lives within me, so when I honor those who are behind and before me, I honor Christ.
Although automatic doors open automatically, there are many manual doors everywhere, offering opportunities to spread God's love behind.
Prayer: Guide us to become more aware of simple ways to honor you and your children. As we affirm others we affirm you. Amen.
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