Have you ever made a wrong snap decision about someone, and then treated them in a hurtful way that you later regretted?

I heard a sobering story today that illustrates the evils of jumping to the wrong conclusion.

In centuries past, the Alps were treacherous and dangerous places to travel. Many brave souls braved the threat nonetheless, and hundreds, if not thousands, lost their lives in the attempt.

To aide stranded travelers, a society of monks set up a rescue mission of sorts through one of the frequently traveled passes. They trained St. Bernard dogs, who were especially equipped to brave the rugged weather, to seek out, sniff out, and aide people who got sick, lost, buried in avalanches, or stranded on their way.

Barney, called the greatest St. Bernard of all, built a long list of successful rescue missions, including that of a young child he found barely alive in the snow on the unforgiving slopes of the mountain. The boy’s parents, who lived down in the valley, were in trouble, and taking a mind of his own to save them, he decided to get to the other side of the mountain where help was available, and bring aide back to save his folks. He didn’t make it. The storms were too much. But on one of Barney’s solo treks, he found the boy. And no one knows how, but somehow, Barney got the unconscious lad on his back and brought him to the monastery where the monks resuscitated him.

Another time, Barney found a deserter of Napoleon’s army unconscious and teetering on the edge of death. Barney licked the man backed into consciousness. Barney lay close to the man to warm him up. When the soldier finally came to, looked up and saw the big beast, in alarm, he reacted out of fear and killed the dog. That was the end of Barney, the man’s savior and of dozens of other lost travellers.

The story is a tragedy.

I thought of times in human life when similar bad endings occur, if not as severely.

At times, people are doing what they perceive to be nice things for others, but the other person doesn’t see the act that way. The recipient sees evil where the giver believes they are bestowing good. The recipient acts cruelly, and the giver is disheartened, saddened, and their spirit is killed to a degree, by the unkindness returned.

How does one prevent such unfortunate circumstances from occurring?

I suppose one way, is to never react in fear, and secondly, to carefully weigh the motives and intent of the giver. When patient, thoughtful and caring, we can make clear judgments and wise decisions. A genuine love and care for the well being of everyone around us cultivates a propensity of goodwill toward the individuals we meet.

After hearing the story of Barney, I decided to make an extra effort to correctly see, acknowledge and honor all the Barneys of the world!

Some of the Alps travellers faced