Miserable welcome back to Bermuda in Customs area

There is so much that is possible in the world, and I believe it begins with each person becoming that possibility. There is a quote by Mahatma Gandhi that states, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

I like what the Bible says in reference to the thought patterns of the mind.

The wisest man of his time, Solomon, wrote, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” Proverbs 23:7.

This past week I was reminded of a song that a choir sang during my youth. Some of the words are, “If you want the world to be a better place to live in, try real love, try real peace, don’t put if off.

Try the real thing today.” Of course that song spoke about the love of Jesus Christ. The essence of the above quotes and song is that there is power in the positivity of real love.

I hope to encourage you today to give the real love, peace, and joy, found in Jesus Christ, a chance to change your life forever and for real.

I must admit that this column about the power of love was prompted by an unlovely experience.

How sad I was to re-enter my island home this past Saturday and experience such gloom and sadness by two of our Customs officers.

There was no smile. There was no “feel the love’. There was only misery and sadness. My “good afternoon,” met with no response.

My second “good afternoon” met with a look of disgust. As I was pointed towards the search area, I once again greeted the gentlemen with a “good afternoon”, to which there was a partial mumbling of something.

The irony was that I had the most enthusiastic greeting from the dog as it did a sniff and search of my luggage. (I admit it, I fit the profile).

Now, if I liked dogs it might have made up for the lack of human kindness I received.

I left the customs area and felt sad, Bermuda. No, their spirit had not attached to me. Not at all!

 I was sad because I thought of the huge opportunity such persons have to make a wonderful impact upon others, and show the kindness and hospitality of the local people. I still believe in Bermuda and the Bermudian people.

Yet, at one of our prime ports of entry we can sometimes experience something so foreign to the historical culture of Bermuda.

I have been searched more than a few times before and the experience has usually been so much better.

As one who taught for 19 years, I usually run into a student and have a pleasant “catch-up” time. Hence, I know that not all customs officers in the search mode are so gloomy.

Let me encourage all, during this time of hardship for many, to be the change you desire to experience and you desire to see.

To those of you with jobs, be appreciative that you have one, during such difficult economic times. Treat your job as gold during these tough times.

To my Christian brothers and sisters, and those who are like-minded, let’s show forth kindness, love, joy, peace, and hope in all situations.

I encourage you to treat others as you desire to be treated yourself. Go ahead and make someone else’s day special.

Spread a little sunshine even when there appear to be clouds of grey hanging around. Show someone that the love of God reigns above the current economic reality.

If you want the world to be a better place to live in, become the better you desire to see.

Give kindness in spite of harshness. Give a pleasant smile in spite of a bitter attitude. Give a gentle demeanour instead of being mean.

Where there seems to be confusion and misunderstanding, offer peace and tranquillity. It really works.

It may not seem to change someone else’s world, but it will instantly change your world.

It’s called “turning the other cheek”.

It’s what Jesus would do. It is love, and real love works!

Respice finem.

Dr. Maria A. Seaman is the Pastor of Shekinah Worship Centre, located at 98 North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish CR 01.