“So, in everything, do unto others what you would have the do to you…” (Matthew 7:12)
I was sitting in a Starbucks the other day (I know, I know, go figure! LOL!) meeting with someone for an afternoon coffee when I noticed an individual sitting near the front of the store with an elaborate computer set up containing multiple cords, two small monitors, and a gaming console. The friend I was meeting there attempted to make conversation with the individual, as they were amazed at the complex set-up. The individual looked over at my friend, ignored them and went back to immersing themselves in what looked to be a game. I saw they had earbuds on so I assumed they didn’t hear her. But after I sat down with my coffee in hand, I watched as another person approached the individual and asked about their setup as they were looking for some guidance and direction. The person tried several times to communicate with them, only it was obvious the individual couldn’t be bothered as they outright ignored the person, even looking at them directly and rolling their eyes, to communicate to leave them alone. I wanted to believe the person didn’t speak English or had some other inability to communicate, but that wasn’t the case when I saw them on their phone. I felt much sorrow over this.
Why do people act like this? I often ask myself this question, especially when I see people who claim themselves as Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, or follow some other devout religious path only to exhibit behaviors like this. I’m sure if this gaming individual had this happen to them when they approached another, they would have been taken aback and frustrated at the very same response.
I tend to see this happening a lot in our world these days. People like to complain about how they are being treated, yet those same individuals often do the very same behaviors and are completely oblivious to it. It only gets their attention when those behaviors come from another and affects them.
Seeing this the other day brought back the thought of the earliest golden rule I learned in life about doing unto others as I would want done to me. I’ve had many people approach me in many different coffee shops asking me about the various things I’m doing there. Whether it’s been my 12 Step recovery work, writing for my blog, or even watching a movie or playing a game, I always give them my focus because I would want the same done to me. Sadly, I wasn’t this way at all during my active addiction years. During them, I was no different than that gaming individual and might have even gone a step further to tell the person I was busy who was asking me a question.
So, if you should ever find yourself complaining about someone being rude or disrespectful to you, I encourage you to take a moment, breathe, and reflect upon all areas of your life where you may be doing the very same thing, as there’s a good chance you’ve done the exact same behavior with another and the Universe is only showing you this so that you can make a positive change on your spiritual path in life…
Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson
