Say Hi to a Stranger

My husband is a people person. He can't help but talk to people; especially people in need. I remember a time at 4 am on a nearly deserted Chicago street hearing a man's distant voice call out, "Brad! Brad! Hi!" Looking around we saw a man standing half bent over a corner trash can. Brad recognized him as a homeless gentleman he had befriended some time earlier. Someone he hadn't seen in over 6 months. They exchanged pleasantries and 'how are you's' and then we entered the car and headed to Michigan. A smile grew on the inside as I began to see the man I had recently married had a much bigger heart than I imagined.

We met in Chicago, drawn there from opposite sides of the nation by very different reasons. We left as one, better for our experience and friendships forged there. Still, it is ever obvious to me that his heart is bigger and more giving than mine. Even so, as we follow Jesus' example, we reach out to those we meet as we can.

Earlier this week, I noticed an older, stately women sitting on a bench at the far end of  the patio. She was always looking away. As I walked our dogs, I mistakenly thought she was out just enjoying the good weather. Brad came in from work and mentioned he had seen a woman presumably praying, as she was doing the sign of the cross, when he came into the hotel. He said she seemed sad and wondered what we could do.  We had both seen the same woman but from different perspectives.

He took a shower and then we went to the truck to leave for dinner. She was not to be seen when we went out. Brad asked if I didn't mind, he would drive around the hotel and if we spotted her we would ask her to go eat with us. That is the man I married. He doesn't stop thinking about people; if they make it into his head, they have made it into his heart.

We found her walking on the far side of the building. We stopped and spoke with her. She smiled with emotion filling her face. A tissue in hand, she dabbed at her eyes. "Thank you so much," she said, "We buried my grandson today...." Those are the only words I remember. What was imprinted in me was the pain on her face and the broad smile that washed across it. She politely declined our offer but accepted our prayers.

Never underestimate the power of friendly words to a stranger. A smile, a hello, even something as simple as a nod can make a difference for someone. I believe it makes our heart grow. It stirs up compassion, thankfulness, and brightens attitudes. I am looking forward to this, my heart expanding, as we travel and meet others.