Seeing the Humanity in Others Helps Us See Our Own

Description

My kids give me a hard time for striking up conversations with strangers. I get it. But when I get talking with an Uber driver from Haiti and find out we both have five kids, suddenly we have a lot to talk about. Swedenborg writes in Secrets of Heaven §3175 that “our humanity lies deep within our rational mind.” I love what that says about learning. From algebra to architecture, what we learn gives us ways to express our God-given humanity through useful service. And in the New Church, we talk about what it means to serve the good in the neighbor. First, we have to see it. So here’s a little spiritual homework for Thanksgiving, friends. Observe, take note of, and celebrate the humanity in other people. See what that draws out in you.