Step 46 ~ Higher Priorities

Love lets others go first

There is an old story that was told to me by B.J., my first spiritual teacher, which has always inspired me. It has to do with two people, a Master and Apprentice, who are climbing a ladder together. As they move higher and higher, the Master is leading the way, imparting knowledge and helping the Apprentice overcome obstacles and resistances at almost every rung. Things go on like this for quite awhile until they finally reach the top rung of the ladder. At this point, the Master stops, leans aside to make room for the Apprentice to pass, and says, "Here, my friend, you go first."

In today's fast-paced, workaday world, many of us have a tendency to charge ahead, not always thinking about how we affect our fellow travelers. Our economic and social systems aren't currently geared for helpfulness to blossom. Whether we scramble blindly to make our monthly obligations, or simply cut another off in traffic in a rush to get to our next place quicker, we lose a special opportunity to have a positive effect on those around us - and on ourselves. Just think for a moment how you reacted the last time someone else slowed at an intersection and waved for you to go ahead of them. It felt good, didn't it? You wanted to return the favor, didn't you?

That's the way we'll all feel once we glean the wisdom in allowing others to go first.

My Intention for today is:

I Intend that I am more willing to consider the needs of those around me.