One Sentence that Changed My Life

Three years ago I stepped out of a third story apartment and walked down the stairs with one of the best guys I know, Clayton. We had just shared a nice chat with a neighbor, and as we reached the bottom of the stairs, it was obviously an ideal afternoon.

Those are moments that are enjoyable to share with others, even in silence, because the earth itself is speaking to the soul in other ways. The sun was bright, the smell was warm, the air was gentle, and it just feels SO. GOOD.

In this instance, I was glad that Clayton broke the silence. He simply, and sincerely said:

"You know, almost always, the more I get to know someone, the more I like them."

Can I let that sink in for a minute by way of repetition?

"Almost always, the more I get to know someone, the more I like them."

For whatever reason, I was completely engaged by this statement. That moment has been written firmly on my  mind. I have thought about it perhaps hundreds of times, and shared with other people over and over again. What a statement! 

But... is there a catch? Can it be true? Can he really feel that way? I mean, yes, he has accounted for a few sad cases with the "almost", but even then, can it really be? And, if it is true, what does that mean?

If every person has a divine origin, then all it takes is to find it. If I can set aside the weakness, the character flaws, the poor habits, and the selfishness - all of which are most glaring to the mortal eye - and look at what is most noticeable to the heavenly eye, I will see beauty. I will see an old, and noble soul. I will see effort. I will see potential to be great. I will see a good heart that is maturing in the fires of mortality. Most of the time. 

What about people who usually do NOT like other people as they get to know them more? What about when I feel that way about a person?

Well, how often do we think about their welfare?

How often are we interested in their ideas or opinions?

How well do we understand their background?

When they actually do something stupid, or have wrong ideas about things, do we assume it is because they intend to do wrong?

I think Clayton's statement was very wise, but I also think it said a great deal about his character. He was choosing to like people by getting to know them with the intent to like them.