Cattāri Brahmavihārā

I was just told a story by a friend of the family after we dropped our kids off at school. Somehow we had gotten on the topic of global climate change and all of the storms we’ve been experiencing. I related a story of family we have in New Orleans who lost everything in Katrina and she then recounted a her story of what happened to her father-in-law.
According to my friend, her father in law had retired and had a beautiful place on the water in Staten Island and a 40-foot sailboat to boot. Suffice it to say tha this gentleman lost everything in Sandy but it was an unexpected act of incredible generosity that made the story spectacular.

The story goes that shortly after Sandy the man was faced with the tremendous task of hauling out all of the water damaged property, furniture and various and sundry possessions from his house. Probably due to the enormity of the task he did not immediately get to it and so some time later a young, Mormon man in a pair of slacks and a crisp, button-down shirt arrived at his door asking if he needed any help hauling stuff away. The man accepted and so all that day the young Mormon helped to drag out water-logged rubbish. Before leaving he told the homeowner he would be back the next day. Of course the man was skeptical but he bid him farewell without high hopes.

The following day a flat bed showed and fifteen more Mormons showed up and got to work. After they cleared out his house they left and were never heard from again. There were no attempts to convert him. Nothing was asked in return. Simply the offer of profound generosity.

So, then, why is it so hard for me to take uncomplicated joy in their generosity? Why do I want to insist that their kindness is of a lesser order simply because it is not supported by Right View? I feel that there is something lacking in my own understanding that is preventing me from rejoicing in this act and others like it. What do these Mormons understand about kindness, care and compassion that I seem to be missing?

May we rejoice in the goodness of others as travellers lost in the desert rejoice when chancing upon a wadi hidden amongst the dunes!