Don’t judge someone based on what they cover up
Have you ever experienced one of those reminiscences? I went to the mall the other week to get some things for the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. She shops so much that sometimes I have to help her.
This time, I was walking down the mall when I suddenly stopped. Someone with the appearance of my previous aunt Elsie was coming at me. I was shocked because aunt Elsie passed away more than 20 years ago because she had the same hairstyle and clothes.
I did, however, feel tempted to approach her and inquire about her identity. I was afraid that she would say, “Yes, and what’s that to you?” in response.
I would have been convinced that it was aunt Elsie if that had happened.
I didn’t even try to look in her direction; I just let her pass.
My family had a long line of relatives, including Aunt Elsie. You would never forget her after meeting her at sea. She belonged to that category.
She wasn’t the person you thought she was when you first met her.
You thought she was a lovely older lady at first. When you first met her, her smile was contagious. But believe me when I say that sometimes first impressions are not always accurate.
I suppose that every aunt is like Aunt Elsie. I have learned one thing from her: Don’t judge others based on what they cover up. You might not know who they are. Aunt Elsie was the same way.
She was constantly attempting to focus everything on her.
If you went to a family picnic, you had to talk exclusively about her. She would always interrupt others to say something about herself that she wanted people to know, no matter what they were saying. She was getting the attention she wanted, it didn’t matter if what she was saying was true or not.
She always wanted others to believe that she was much sicker than she was.
She would start coughing and then blow her nose as soon as she entered a crowd. That insignificant act would attract the attention she desired. She didn’t care if the attention was positive, negative, or indifferent. She valued the attention the most.
She frequently walked very slowly and with a distinctive limp because she wanted people to believe she had some physical issues. She would occasionally use a cane and struggle along, usually getting the attention she desired.
People would open doors, smile at her, and say hello to her when she was struggling in that way.
She would say, “I’m so grateful. I really require all assistance.”
The only thing they were doing was playing up to her narcissism, despite the fact that they would believe they were doing a good deed for the day. She was an outstanding actress, and no one knew it.
She asked me once if I could take her shopping to the mall.
I thought this was my chance to find out what was going on with her when she asked me this.
I exclaimed with enthusiasm, “Oh, I’d be glad to take you to the mall.”
When we reached the shopping center, I assisted her in getting out of the car and walking up to the entrance.
I asked her, “Aunt Elsie, can you take care of yourself?” when she entered. I need to pick up some things at the other end of the mall.”
“Okay, but don’t be long,” she said as she gave me one of her sad looks. Today, I don’t have as much energy.”
I noticed that she was limping along as she usually did as we parted ways. As a result, I assumed I would unintentionally follow her.
She stopped, looked back to see if I was anywhere in sight, and then strutted off like a teenager while I was hiding and watching. Absolutely no stumbling.
I thought to myself, “Aha.” I was correct. She has been playing us for all of these years, and she has always done a great job.
To let her know that I wasn’t playing games, I gave her a cautious smile and went to get something.
She was stumbling along with a bag when I met her, and when she saw me, she asked, “Could you please carry my bag for me?” I just can’t carry it. It’s just too heavy.”
“Oh, aunt Elsie, I would be glad to carry that bag for you,” I said with a smile. Given your condition, I am aware that it must be an enormous burden for you to bear.”
She smiled and nodded as I took the bag from her. We drove to the car, and I drove her home.
Because Elsie was unaware that I had something on, I have kept this secret all my life.
The Scripture that inspires me came to mind. There should be no strife or self-indulgence; Philippians 2:3 says, “but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves.”
My job is to encourage someone like aunt Elsie and try to provide them with what they need at the time, even though I know what I know.
