Humanity and the Red Cape

I’ll put on my Superman cape and save the day today.  It’s my job to do so.  Or is it?

I’m driving down the grass and pine scrub lined road admiring the greenery and blue Bahamas sky when the car in front of me rolls down their window. A hand comes out, goes back in and then flicks a box of Kentucky Fried Chicken, stuffed with its greasy inner wrappers and chewed off chicken bones, straight out the window and into the bushes. At first, I am in disbelief but that quickly turns to anger and judgement.  

What are they thinking?  How could they do that to this beautiful island? I’m going to beep my horn until they stop and tell them to go back and pick it up.  Afterall, that’s what I did with my son when he was seven and threw a wrapper out the car window.  I stopped and made him go back and pick it up.  That taught him not to litter.  This person needs to be taught a lesson.  My cape is on and I’m ready to swoop in and save the day with my righteousness.

In my effort to be righteous, I notice I’m being rude.  My own actions are filled with judgement and thoughts of “I’ll show you”. I try and switch to thoughts about humanity.  Is there anything that bonds this human and me together? I think about the definition of humanity as compassionate, sympathetic, or generous behavior.  I dig deep to find it.  Can I find it in myself first?  I know the kinder I am to myself, the more love I have for others.  I think I’ll start there.