Who Can Love?

Who Can Love?

My expectation of the service-learning experience was that some how I would be able to make a difference in the lives of the middle school children. I was hopeful they would acknowledge my giving nature, and we could become friendly. I was also hopeful for mutual respect.
The experience I encountered last week was inspiring. A young man, Jeff, from a local high school was volunteering his time. He may have been fulfilling a requirement for community service.
His appearance was striking. He was tall with creamy skin and naturally blonde, curly hair. His angelic appearance was inspirational.
Our assignment was to help the students create photos of themselves in racist and sexist actions. I made a few suggestions to encourage the students. I hoped my examples would create stimulus for their assignment.
Jeff on the other hand was right in the action. He lined up camera shots, and offered his car as a prop. He encouraged dramatic facial expressions, and was patient with the students’ objections to the poses because they appeared “un-cool.”
In reference to the book, Why Can’t We Be Good?, my observation of Jeff was clearly an example of, “. . . a human being is the being who yearns to love, who is built to love and to act justly toward man. . . “ (p. 264).
Jeff had no “cynicism” in his relationship with the budding teenagers. He gave of himself at their level. When asked about his life, he answered with complete abandonment of differences.
My desire to be helpful as a guide/tutor for these children requires revision. I was not prepared for the experience and knowledge I received about myself. To serve another human being, I must be completely myself with no apprehension of differences. To express love toward another, I must love myself first.