I've always been one who talks to strangers. I'm sure it scared my mother to death when I was young and my wife is constantly amused by this behavior.
As I got off the train this morning at Stonewall Station and was walking down the stairs, I noticed the shoes of the woman in front of me. This young professional was dressed in shades of grey but her shoes had bright yellow cap toes and a yellow stripe on the back. Since I had to look down at the steps to prevent myself from falling, the bright yellow in front of me kept flashing into my vision.
I finally caught up to this woman at the corner as we were waiting for the light to change and simply said, "Cool shoes." She immediately got a big smile on her face and told everyone on the corner how unsure she was about buying them, but that my comment made her day.
Each of you will come across at least one situation during your day where you interact with someone you don't know. My challenge to you is to find something pleasant to say to a stranger. Bring a smile to their face. Trust me, it will make you both feel less cynical. Doing this daily opens your eyes to God's beauty in others.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Being Mindful
My daily walk today was more like a "sit." The Wellness Committee at Moore & Van Allen had an information session and Introduction to Mindfullness Meditation. I could really dig this. Mindfullness doesn't really seem to be much different than the quiet time that I try to find each day; time to be enveloped by stillness. For me, it is during this time where I get a sense of comfort and of peace. It's during this time that I listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance. Call it what you will, but peace and quiet are items much needed in today's world.
+Moore&VanAllen #mindfullness
+Moore&VanAllen #mindfullness
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Hidden Beauty
I was taking my "normal" lunchtime walk around Center City Charlotte today. By "normal," I mean that I step out the front door of our building and then see which way I'm led. I rarely have a destination in mind, but spend at least 30 minutes each day walking for both exercise and mental therapy.
Why am I "led"? Why don't I just walk? I learned an important lesson this summer while on a mission trip to San Ramon, Costa Rica. That lesson was just be quiet, be absorbed by the silence, and listen for God. I use my walks each day as my TAG time (Time Alone with God).
When I left my office today, I was led across Tryon Street heading towards Stonewall. As I was walking, I noticed the people on the sidewalk ahead of me slowing down and taking pictures. Ahead of them was a beautiful woman who was obviously down on her luck. The woman was wearing a large hat to block the sun, sunglasses, and a flowing dress. So why were people gawking? This woman obviously had not bathed in a while, was missing her left leg, and had to use braces on her arms to help her walk. This woman was accompanied by her dog who was not on a leash, but looked lovingly at the woman and never ventured from her side. This woman had also made a type of carrier to put on her dog's back so that the dog could help carry groceries, etc.
As I approached, this woman looked at me and almost ashamedly asked if I had any spare change. This is where I struggle. Does the person really need help or are they just looking for an easy handout for cigarettes or their next fix?
Matthew 25:35-40 (NLT) tells us "35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[a]you were doing it to me!’"
Thus, my dilemma. As you can probably tell by now, I saw the woman's beauty and potential instead of her challenges. When she asked if I had any spare change I cheerfully replied, "Of course" and gave her a $5 bill. Was I a fool? Maybe. But for the price of a good latte, I made both myself and someone else smile. For me, this is a good day.
Why am I "led"? Why don't I just walk? I learned an important lesson this summer while on a mission trip to San Ramon, Costa Rica. That lesson was just be quiet, be absorbed by the silence, and listen for God. I use my walks each day as my TAG time (Time Alone with God).
When I left my office today, I was led across Tryon Street heading towards Stonewall. As I was walking, I noticed the people on the sidewalk ahead of me slowing down and taking pictures. Ahead of them was a beautiful woman who was obviously down on her luck. The woman was wearing a large hat to block the sun, sunglasses, and a flowing dress. So why were people gawking? This woman obviously had not bathed in a while, was missing her left leg, and had to use braces on her arms to help her walk. This woman was accompanied by her dog who was not on a leash, but looked lovingly at the woman and never ventured from her side. This woman had also made a type of carrier to put on her dog's back so that the dog could help carry groceries, etc.
As I approached, this woman looked at me and almost ashamedly asked if I had any spare change. This is where I struggle. Does the person really need help or are they just looking for an easy handout for cigarettes or their next fix?
Matthew 25:35-40 (NLT) tells us "35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[a]you were doing it to me!’"
Thus, my dilemma. As you can probably tell by now, I saw the woman's beauty and potential instead of her challenges. When she asked if I had any spare change I cheerfully replied, "Of course" and gave her a $5 bill. Was I a fool? Maybe. But for the price of a good latte, I made both myself and someone else smile. For me, this is a good day.
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