Compassion – Becoming More Like Tom Bodett

As I look out the window to the street in front of our home, I see porch lights illuminating front yards in both directions. It’s a site I see each morning while seated in our living room. Usually, the lights go unnoticed. This morning, however, when I saw them, I thought of someone with a voice that was so distinct and memorable, that when I heard the first word spoken, I knew it was him.

Since 1986, Tom Bodett has been that voice. The one doing ads for Motel 6, and always ending those ads with, “I’m Tom Bodett for Motel 6, and we’ll leave the light on for you.” In just thirty seconds, Bodett could spin a mini-story so effectively that it made even the lowest priced budget hotel seem warm and inviting. After all, if someone is leaving the light on for me, they must be serious about welcoming me as their guest.

Pretty soon after thinking of those Motel 6 radio ads, I was back to thinking of those lights up and down my street. These days, I fear those lights serve a different purpose. Their glow, rather than being warm and inviting, is designed to offer ambient lighting for the high-definition security cameras watching over their property. When we leave the light on for you today, it is so your image will be permanently uploaded to the cloud if you come near.

Ring someone’s front door at night, and you are likely to be greeted by a weary homeowner, peering from behind their door. “Smile, you’re on camera.” Stories of home invasions have made us all a bit leery of opening our doors to strangers. We want to protect ourselves, the people we love, and the things we’ve worked hard to acquire from the dangers of the unknown.

When called upon to practice compassion, I have to be extra careful that I don’t approach people from behind a barely cracked door. This is especially true at Twelve Step meetings. While we might tell the newcomer that they are the most important person at the meeting, it is easy for me to slip into the role of that homeowner with a host of high-def cameras, rather than being a Tom Bodett.

Today, I will try to remember that I am called to welcome newcomers rather than suspiciously viewing them as strangers. I’ll do my best to leave my light on for them out of compassion, rather than fear.

Have a remarkable day!