Daily Devotion - Monday, October 3

“Who is my neighbor?”
--A question posed to Jesus (Luke 10:29)

“To deny ourselves the knowledge even of a single person is to lose
the central piece of the jigsaw puzzle.”
--Leo Buscaglia (The Way of the Bull), p. 35

I hope you have been able to read some of Buscaglia’s writings; they are wonderful. He took a wonderful journey through Asia assimilating Oriental traditions into his understanding about the mysteries of life. In Asia the bull symbolically represents life. Another way to title the book could be The Way of Life. Throughout the week we are going to travel with Leo to explore some life-lessons.

While in Thailand he met Mack and Pricha; his observations help with the question of the day. Shortly after arriving at his “culturally acceptable but quite unacceptable accommodations”, he met Mack who was in Thailand on business. Mack was tied to his Western ways. He didn’t really want to understand the Thai culture as much as to exploit the people of the culture. Leo learned a method of survival from Mack. The next week, Leo met Pricha, a native Thai. During his time with Pricha, he grew to understand and appreciate the people, the customs and the cuisine of Thailand. Leo discovered a very different value system -- one he came to respect, admire and assimilate.

Understanding “Who is my neighbor?” begins as we willingly/ reluctantly expose ourselves to opportunities beyond our comfort zone. Everyone helps us with the puzzle. Doing our job (like Mack) is a way we can survive. Practicing the way of hospitality (like Pricha) may open new opportunities that we never dreamed of. May you have a good week, enriched by the journey alongside other special people.

--Ben Keckler
10.3.11