"Of the sweets of adversity,
and let me say that these are not numerous, I have found the sweetest, the most
precious of all, is the lesson I learnt on the value of kindness. Every
kindness I received, small or big, convinced me that there could never be enough
of it in our world. To be kind is to respond with sensitivity and human warmth
to the hopes and needs of others. Even the briefest touch of kindness can
lighten a heavy heart. Kindness can change the lives of people."
- Aung San Suu Kyi in her Nobel Lecture, 2012
In the last week, I met face to face, for the first time, a Burmese guy who initially came my way in 2018. We should have met long before now, but Covid and then an ugly war stopped that from happening. I met him at Bangkok airport on his way out of Myanmar, fleeing a war, seeking a new beginning so as to support his family back home.
Reflecting back, I can see his sad eyes. I must say that he is not the only Burmese with sad eyes.
Given the circumstances of a rushed meeting between planes and his trauma of departure from a war zone, even if home, I was not sure how to approach him. I just went prepared, telling myself - be awake and be friendly.
He asked me if Myanmar was the worst country in the wolrd. To offer some optimism, I could truthfully say, "No, Surely Gaza is worse?" He spoke of his family and their tragic plight. Despite all, the human spirit goes on, his spirit goes on.
Even as a helper, one on the other's side, I can become far too self-assured about my lot and that of others, even those so wounded, with so little in their hands. Truth is I am above no one. No human act is beyond me. So judge no one.
Then I remembered the great insight of Henri Nouwen - we are but "wounded healers". We are all in the same human boat. So I remind myself to never become harsh towards others and remain always kind. Then the words of Aung San Sun Kyi came rushing back to me. There is nothiong greater in our world than human kindness. Be always kind!
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