I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my
college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The
teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human
being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called
"Smile."
The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document
their reaction. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone
and say, hello anyway... So, I thought, this would be a piece of cake
literally.
Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son and
I went out to McDonalds, one crisp March morning. It was just our way
of sharing special play time with our son. We were standing in line,
waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back
away, and then even my husband did.
I did not move an inch. An overwhelming feeling of panic welled up
inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I
smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing behind me were two
poor homeless men.
As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was
"smiling". His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched
for acceptance.
He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been
clutching.The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I
realized the second man was mentally deficient and the blue eyed man
was his salvation. I held my tears... as I stood there with them.
The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said,
"Coffee is all Miss", because that was all they could afford (to sit
in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something... they just wanted
to be warm).
Then I really felt it. The compulsion was so great, I almost reached
out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I
noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me. Judging my every action.
I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more
breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner
to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot.
I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue eyed
gentleman's cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said,
"Thank you." I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do
this for you, God is here working through me to give you hope."
I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I
sat down, my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to
me honey... to give me hope." We held hands for a moment and at that
time we knew that only because of the Grace were we able to give.
We are not church goers but we are believers. That day showed me the
pure Light of God's sweet love. I returned to college, on the last evening
of class, with this story in hand. I turned in "my project" and the
instructor read it... then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share
this?" I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She
began to read and that is when I knew that we, as human beings (part of
God), share this need to heal.
In my own way I had touched the people at McDonalds, my husband, son,
instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night
spent as a college student. I graduated with one of the biggest
lessons I would ever learn... be kind to ALL... after all... we are here to
learn!
Much love and compassion sent to each and every person who may read
this.
Learn how to Love People and use Things. NOT Love things and Use
people.