Love More, See More

Mom’s birthday was fast approaching and Sana was clueless on what to get her mother for her 50th birthday. She calls her big sister, Sarah, for guidance. “Mom enjoys singing, why not get her a one-year membership to the Tewksbury Chorus group? It will encourage her to improve her singing and it is quite close to the house.”

“Yes! That is a great idea, you always have the best gift ideas,” Sana happily exclaims. She thanks her sister and hangs up the phone. Suddenly, she is overcome by a question. How does Sarah do this… how does she always know what people need? Just two weeks ago, she received a pair of thermal underwear from Sarah which was exactly what she needed against the harsh Toronto winter. After musing on this question for a few minutes, the answer unexpectedly dawned on her. She loves more therefore she sees more.

She recalls how attentive Sarah always was during their conversations. How her questions in one way or the other sought to find out the true state of her spirit, to find out how she was and what encouragement she needed. It became abundantly clear to Sana that her sister knows what people need because she cares, it is that simple.

Smiling, she gives gratitude for her dear sister and strives to follow her example. She soon found herself occupied constantly with the question, “How can I serve?” And a new world opened up to her. For the first time, she could see the lonely eyes of her neighbor whom she had always greeted only superficially. Where she formerly just concerned herself with her work, she now saw its connection to the whole organization. In her loving attentiveness within her circle of friends, she could hear what their words failed to express and could therefore be a better friend.

Observing these changes in herself, Sana comes to the realization that selfishness is nothing but self-imposed blindness that can only be cured by love for others.