VW Justice

Walking home from school my fifth grade year, my friend and I decided to amuse ourselves by sticking out our tongues at passing cars. At each car’s approach, we prepared our mouths to do the unspeakable; at just the right time, we thrust forth our tongues and waggled them tauntingly. I still feel the euphoria tingling up my spine at our audacity. We’d taken on the social taboos and gotten away with it! Until.

A VW bug drove past us: a small and unpretentious prey, not like bagging a Cadillac. Still, we gave it our all, then we doubled over with laughter. The VW made the block and drove past us again. Imagine my shock when the driver rolled down her window, poked out her head, and stuck out her tongue at us!

Quite a different sensation now tingled up my spine: Shock. Hurt. Anger. How could she? How mean of her to… Wait a minute.

Standing there, satchel in hand, I experienced for the first time what it was to stand in another person’s shoes: what real world justice felt like. If I could find that woman today, I’d give her a big hug (if she’d let me get that close).

This month, I’ll seek to stand in another’s shoes: to live justly in the world, remembering that everybody matters.

What are your experiences of standing in another’s shoes? Of someone caring enough to stand in yours? What are your experiences of justice, or of injustice? Share your thoughts