Treat Them as Wounded
Susan Muto, in her book Blessings That Make Us Be (Crossroad, 1982), tells a story of a great ruler who needed a second-in-command to help manage his kingdom. When he finally selected the right person, he took him outside onto a balcony of the palace where they could gaze over all the lands under his jurisdiction. His assistant asked the king, “Master, what must I remember most of all if I am to carry out your wishes?”
“My son,” the king replied, “there is only one directive to follow – and that is to look upon the people as wounded.”
The wise king knew that everyone is in pain in some way. Wounds may not show, but they are there.
Discover where people hurt and you’ll finally understand them. Learn where the invisible bandages are and you’ll know how to help, heal or reach them. Look upon them as wounded – and you’ll know what to do.
