I was driving home today from the usual kid weekend activities when I pulled up to a red light at a very well used intersection for those that struggle to make money in “traditional” ways. At this specific street corner there is always at least one, if not more people soliciting for funds or food. Today I noticed a woman had stopped to speak to a man on two crutches and few teeth who was propped up against the street light and they were talking. She was standing right close to him, leaning in, making eye contact and actively listening to every word he was saying. She looked to be in her mid 60’s, and he in possibly his mid 40’s. He looked weathered, weak and very tired. My heart started to feel heavy with encouragement as I watched this engaging exchange. I wondered how this simple act of connection and giving time to someone who may or may not have a stable support network changed his day, even for a moment.
This is what I am talking about. This is a simple, free act we can all do. it is not directly saving the polar ice caps, or even saving the polar bears but it might just be saving someones life, spirit or soul, so that they have the courage to live another day. Stopping and having a conversation with someone can be the difference between life or death, and we can all do it. This woman can do this, I can do this, and if more people did this with me instead of making assumptions it would absolutely make my day better.
I am encouraged by seeing this exchange that was a “random” encounter for me. It helps to realign myself with my purpose, my one life movement. I know I have all the good in the world to give, and I fully intend to keep giving it. I give a huge thank you for allowing me to be at that intersection, at just that time so I could see another human being wanting to know about some other human being, simply because.
The One Life Movement 