SadhanaOriental Meditation and Christian Prayer
Contemplation in action
ーIn relation with othersー
[9] Looking for good things
Good things are hidden everywhere in our lives. God is in everything in this world.
It is nice to look for good things.
You have a breakfast, and leave for work. You wait for a bus at a nearby bus stop. A few people are waiting in line. You go to the end of the line. A person in front of you is a woman who you already became acquainted with. She says in a caring manner, “Where are you going today?” “Do you have to go to so many places? Take care of your self.” Her kind and warm way of speaking soothes your heart. You are grateful and think that she is a pleasant person.
On another occasion, you get on a train and take a seat. As the train passes some stations, it becomes crowded. You find an elderly woman in the crowd. A young man who notices her stands up to give up his seat for her. You feel that it is beautiful.
On a rainy day, you go shopping, bringing an umbrella with you. You go to some large stores. You shop at three or four places, on two or three floors. As you head for home after finishing shopping, you notice that you don’t have your umbrella. “Oh no, I left it at the cashier.” You go back to the store and ask a clerk. The clerk calls somebody in the store with her cell phone. She asks me the characteristics of the umbrella. She says, “We have it at the security office. I asked a security guard to bring it here. Please wait for a second.” After a few minutes, a guard brings the umbrella. I am impressed by the kindness of all the staff at the store and the person who paid after me at the register.
I have lunch at a nice restaurant. As my dish is served and I start eating, I drop my chopsticks (or a fork) by mistake. A waitress quickly becomes aware of it, runs to me, picks them up, and says, “Just a moment, please.” She brings me new chopsticks (or a new fork). It is her job, but I am happy to be taken care of well.
- A small flower pot by the roadside
- A volunteer safety advisor who stands close to an elementary school
- A volunteer who works for a hospital or other institution
- A plastic bag that covers each newspaper on rainy days
We can find good intentions everywhere.
These good things originate from the heart of cherishing each other. And it ultimately means that God shares his goodness with us. We feel gratitude to God. In our daily lives, we can direct our heart to God and interact closely with Him. We can praise the goodness of God.