Jim taught for over 40 years at Philander Smith College, 35 summers at Arkansas Governor's School and 25 years at UAMS. At times he would have former students come visit him in his office at PSC. He would come home and tell me about his visits, expressing delight and amazement that the students shared with him what a difference he had made in their lives, even if they had only taken one class with him. He was genuinely amazed that someone thought he made a difference or influenced their lives in a positive way.
For me, it was a scene that played out many times which brought me to tears – his love, care, humility and gentleness toward others.
Some of these former students that came to visit him had become clergy, even bishops in the Methodist church, some had become professors, or CEO’s. Whatever they had achieved or accomplished, whatever station in life they had - Jim didn’t see their position, he saw the person, and he marveled at their brilliance and capacity to expand beyond what they had thought of themselves when they were a student.
Jim taught critical thinking, logic and ethics. Among the many other subjects he taught these are skills he saw very much lacking in our society. But if you know Jim, he did not teach these subjects in a dry conceptual way but with the inclusion of the heart, of compassion. He spoke to me often with great fervor about his deep desire to embody “skillful means”, the combination of both wisdom and compassion.
Not long ago I was going through some of Jim’s things and came across a little bundle wrapped lovingly in a cloth. As I opened it up I discovered a little notebook that Jim had used to make notes and write a few thoughts. The most interesting aspect of this little notebook was the cover. Here Jim had cut out a picture of the Earth and glued it to the black cover. Here was the Earth hanging in space, surrounded by the darkness of the cosmos. As I looked at the image my mind expanded beyond my little world to include a much bigger reality.
I keep the little notebook propped up on the table in our meditation room. Whenever I get anxious and worried about the state of affairs in our world today, I turn to look at the image Jim created and wrapped so gently in the cloth. A loving reminder that there is a much greater perspective to allow myself to become attuned to.
This perspective seems to me to be the one he operated from throughout his life. As he met each person and situation he could be fully present in the moment while simultaneously holding a vast view of himself, others, situations, the world and the cosmos. All held with deep compassion.
It seems this view of wisdom and compassion would serve us well during these times. For me I will continue to come back to my practices, and the image, to help my body and my mind attune to something greater than my little spot in the vast cosmos.