The Reason

                                                            
     "Peculiar"
     "Odd"
     "Strange!"
     How often have we heard (or said) that about a person that we meet?  Some people are just plain different!  How do you treat them?  When you see them coming, do you duck out of the way, hoping they won't see you?  Or do you greet them as you would one of your closest friends?
     At times we may wonder, "Why are they so "different"?   Why doesn't God make all people like....me?!"
     What makes a person the way they are?  Sometimes the issues are medically caused but many times the reason is...life.
     Human beings are naturally made to interact with one another.  That can be a positive experience, or a negative one.  Childhood is obviously very significant in how we learn to view the world and other people.  The daily ins and outs of our life, as a child help shape the kind of adult we become.   
     For example, I know of an elderly person who was always aloof and reserved.  He never seemed to get close to anyone.  Later, I found out that he had been basically abandoned as a child, and never was allowed to be close to his parents.  He never had a mother's love. That would definitely explain things.  No wonder he would be 'unlovable".  He was never shown love.  He didn't know how to love.  What a sad thing...to go through your whole life never knowing the love of another person.  He would only meet people who treated him like he treated them.  And as a result...he was a lonely, bitter old man.
     There are reasons why everyone acts the way they do.  Usually it is because of something someone has done to them, or experiences they have encountered.  If they act in an unconventional way, and others shy away from them, or treat them accordingly it can possibly only add to their feelings of loneliness.  What if they were shown some kindness?  Perhaps it would make a difference in their lives.

     Could you be the one to make that difference?  Instead, of avoiding someone that may seem eccentric, say hello with a smile.  Remember that there is a reason why they are the way they are.  Also, remember that there is a reason why you are the way you are.  They are no different than you.  They crave respect and love, just as you do. Give that gift to someone else today.

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.   Matthew 7:12