I recently began working with a new co-worker whom I found difficult to love. This person annoyed and frustrated me. I was grumpy, irritated and dreaded the thought of going to work.
I had heard that she was in a pretty serious accident a while back. It was a sad story. And yet, after knowing a part of her story, I lacked compassion and couldn’t get rid of my attitude. I prayed for my heart to change.
A few days later, as the cuff of her shirt sleeve slid past her wrist, I saw burn scars that wrapped around her arm.
As soon as I saw the scars my heart changed. Hearing about the accident wasn’t the same as seeing evidence left behind from it.
She is no longer annoying or frustrating, she is a survivor. She is a woman who overcame serious emotional and physical trauma yet manages to live life with a spirit of joy and perseverance.
Talking about scars reminded me of a conversation Jesus had after his resurrection. Thomas doubted that Jesus appeared to the disciples. Thomas said, “Unless I see the holes in his hands and put my hand through his side, I will not believe that was actually Jesus.” (My paraphrase. Get the real thing by reading John 20:25.) Once Thomas saw for himself that Jesus was alive, Jesus said, “Thomas, you believed because you saw me, but blessed are those who have NOT seen, yet believe.” (Again, a paraphrase of John 20:29.)
I found compassion for my co-worker, but it took seeing her scars. I would like to reach a point of spiritual maturity where I can faithfully love, just because I’m called to love. Until that time of growth comes, my prayer is for God to show me the scars.
laurelweir.wordpress.com 