Reciprocity

So, I had a conversation with my sister today about when we were younger and remembering some of the people we knew at that time from church.  I was amazed in relaying how I struggled in algebra during high school and a girl from church was in my class and would invite me over to her house.  She was getting a solid A in math!  Was I invited to be helped with my math block?  To be pushed to success with positive feedback and helpful nudges in understanding this universal and eternal language?  Nope.  I was invited to be reminded of my inferiority.  I was invited so the mom could boast on how smart her daughter was.  Jumping on the trampoline with her wasn't as much fun after that. 

I did find someone to help me with my math problems.  She went to church with me also.  She didn't come from a home like the other girl with an intact family and a "strong" church testimony filled with deeply rooted ancestors.  Nope.  This girl was being raised by her grandparents, struggled with a weight problem, drugs, and abuse from her past.  She treated me like a sister.  She treated me like a friend.  She treated me like an equal.  She was awesome.  I never judged her for her outside, or vices, or what her home looked like, or how many times she had or had not read the scriptures.  What a stark difference between these two girls, these two families, and how their influence on someone else made all the difference. 

I realized that it didn't matter how nice and tidy your home is.  What kind of car you drive, the clothes you wear, or how active at church you are.  The love we show each other regardless of our past and present is what counts, and it points us to our future.  How can we extend love when it is not given? 

I was watching a video archive on Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, and he spoke about the relationship between Israel and the bordering nations that rage war constantly.  He called for diplomatic relationships to begin, and that without a reciprocity of peace there can be none.  That man always moves me with his words of truth and righteousness.

It is the same with ourselves, our neighbors, friends, and families.  Without a reciprocity of love, kindness, compassion, and peace we can have none. 

I hope we can be friendly, loving,  and not big buttheads who like to put others down just to make themselves feel good.  Those people suck.

Love to all.