Today in Umtata, South Africa a three year old boy
challenged me to holiness.  I treated him for an earache when he was brought in
by a neighbor.  She showed me the marks on his body and back.  Red raised welts
covered this fragile, little body, his face expressionless as I glared in pain
at this sight.  Nothing new, that’s life, the woman’s face replied.  In some
sort of gesture I gave him a sweet.  Next patient.  Another little boy covered
in scabies (tiny bugs that get under the skin and cause an itchy rash).  Fine. 
I prepare the treatment, and out of the corner of my eye I see the first little
boy give half of his precious sweet to this second boy.  Without a thought and
completely on his own.  I was floored!  This boy touched my soul and humbled me
to the core.  He had done what I only hope to do.  The simple wisdom, the pure
love of a child.