Err on the side of caring.

Hi Reader,
In 2021, still in my early days of nomadic living, I drove past a small group of vans as I searched for a campsite in the desert. They were all parked in a circle with their doors wide open to the fresh, breezy air. Some of the people were engaged in conversation, while others were doing chores around camp.

As I passed the last vehicle in the group, I saw a woman hunched over her stove, stirring a steaming pot. I’ll never forget the expression on her face. She looked miserable, like her world was about to abruptly end after eating that meal she was cooking. Surrounded by friends in a beautiful landscape, with food apparently on its way, she seemed really sad.

But who was I but a stranger driving by? A rookie road-lifer observing people I knew absolutely nothing about? Maybe she was hung-over? Maybe she was tired? Maybe she just had an argument with someone? Maybe she just cracked open her last can of soup? Maybe she just got some bad news? Maybe she really was about to die from some horrible illness?…Maybe I should just mind my own business, and be concerned with myself and my own life? I don’t know them, and why should I care if someone is feeling sadness anyway? (But I do.)

But what if everyone didn’t care about anyone else around them? What kind of world would we be living in? What kind of thoughts would we have about others? What kind of actions would we take in not caring?

Maybe I’m making a mountain out of an ant farm, but I’d rather feel empathy and act with compassion toward someone, and be mistaken for it in the end, than to simply not care. Surely, all the little moments of not caring would add up and into something that I want nothing to do with.

Peace,
​Tommy​

P.S. - Holidays are a great time to practice erring on the side of caring with those who don’t see things your way. Look for common ground, and don’t throw out hurtful machetes that can be deflected back into your own heart.

P.P.S. - Happy Fall Holiday Week!