Just Listen

Hello AYUDH recipient,

I am writing you from the library here in Grass Valley. Since this month's message is about LOVE I would like to share a quick story that just happened to me.

I was waiting outside for the library to open when a gruff looking man came out of the bank next to the library singing "the wheel in the sky keeps on turning" really loud. He is the kind of person that most people would likely turn away from, laugh at, or ignore completely. He proceeded to show me a picture that he was drawing with much pride and told me that the bank was going to let him hang it on the wall when he was finished. At this moment I felt love in my heart for this man. I continued to listen to his story about how he quit drinking at the beginning of the month, and how his baby granddaughter was just born on superbowl sunday, and how he has so much to live for. I listened to him when he began to cry as he told me that he knows god loves him even though he has done so many terrible things. I saw hope in his eyes when he talked about his drawings, and so much love when he spoke of his family.I didn't say much throughout this long discussion, but I knew that I helped just by being there and reflecting the love and hope and sadness that he was expressing.
I could have walked away when he started talking. I could have just kept walking to do the "very important" things that I was going to do. But what is more important lending an ear to someone in need, spontaneously on the street? I cant think of anything. It was a great gift.

Power to Love!
Peace to AYUDH.
Om Namah Shivaya,
Leah