Some mornings when I wake up, I can tell right away that my mischief is being provoked. The little red guy with horns was whispering into my ear. I listened closely to his instructions and plotted my course of action. Chaos began as I walked to the grocery store. Standing right in front of me was a chick with blue hair. With a smile, and loud enough to draw some attention, I mentioned I liked the color. For just a second she thought I was making fun of her. But glaring back into my eyes she could see the sincere. It did look good. I continued to smile. Her different appearance said to me, “I am an individual.” Aren’t we all! Her return was an ounce of blush, red cheeked, and I think her heart melted just a little, feeling the love.
As I shopped for fried chicken and other forms of lunch, it was so easy to find victims. The guy with the shirt that read “listen to me and be quiet,” needed a compliment of laughter. And of course the lady who served me at the counter wanted someone to ask, “How is your day going?” I think it’s what we all need. Random strangers showing kindness in whatever form it might present itself.
There was one man who works among the many. He was quiet, and shy. My guess is “picked on” was part of his history. Each time I see him, I smile and say “hi,” but the fortress of his response is to look away, never blinking an eye to appreciate a little attention. His eyes say, “I am lost in my own thoughts, caught away in my own dreams.” It makes me wonder about the souls trapped in the room of “being alone.” Some sit facing the corner in a small chair. No light to see, no hope to feel, blank walls staring back. We all have a place of needing love. We all have an empty that can only be filled with God. We all should reach to whoever might be standing next to us in their “empty,” searching for some love. Who has the courage to reach beyond the comforts of home and share by loving a stranger? You do!
Fine writing. Bring it on a Monday.