When I was about 8 years old, I went to a camp for Muslim youth. I was younger than everybody else and felt really out of place. I was being ignored, and could’t connect with even a single friend. After crying myself to sleep on the first day, I decided that this wasn’t going to work. I wanted to go home! But I had no idea how to get there.
So, what do you think I did? I did nothing but sulk.
But then a camp counsellor noticed and asked me if I was okay. She said it in a way that made me tell her my story. And she was the sweetest camp counsellor, may Allah SWT bless her wherever she may be. She listened, and I knew she cared.
And only when I was ready to take her advice did she gave me strategies to cope, and promise that she’d take me under her wing. And if I still wanted to go home, she’d drive me herself.
Needless to say, she made it easy for me. My 8 year old self felt so blessed. And I was happy, for the entire duration of that camp. Yes, I stayed.
InshAllah, me, you, and camp counsellors everywhere would do well to follow her example in order to exercise our heart’s capacity for compassion.
This is what she did:
1. She listened to my story.
Plain and simple. Most people would welcome the chance to share. They may need some prodding though. Consider this scenario:
Sahar: How are you?
Maryam: Fine, alhamdullilah.
Sahar: Alhamdullilah. Really, how are you?
Maryam: well…. (you can fill in the story)
Its that easy inshAllah.
And when our hearts just listen with compassion, it makes us more able to offer hope to others. And makes them more willing to take what we offer.
Maybe it’s your neighbour who’s just come back from the doctor’s office with bad news. Maybe it’s a dear friend who just failed her mid term exam. Maybe it’s your son, who just brought home a frog from his day at the park. Maybe it’s a young girl in the youth halaqa or camp who doesn’t have friends.
Whose story will you listen to today?
