New Years Day 2011, was equally, actually more unusual. In the last decade, never have people been so very responsive to my message or me. I would have imagined that with increased traffic, a focus on shopping and sales, a fervent desire to dash hither and yon, a far less consecrated day would deliver far fewer acknowledgements of peace. Yet, the opposite was true. Everywhere I turned, and I do face the oncoming traffic, be it going North, South, East, and West, people smiled. Countless placed their fingers in a sign of peace. Car horns honked constantly and not at other vehicles. Drivers made certain that I knew these toots were meant for me. Car loads of persons young, old, and all ages in-between waved to me. Hands were held high in a sign of accord. Out of many a window, from each side of a car, fingers flew in a gesture that mirrored my own.
Suddenly, near the end of my hour at the crossroads, a late model, newly washed burgundy Sports Utility Vehicle approached. A nicely dressed woman drove nearer. She wore a black print dress and a huge smile. Her raven colored hair was long, lush, and curly. In the passenger seat, nearer to me, sat a nice-looking man. His shirt was well-pressed, long sleeved, and as white as his bright grin. Each seemed excited to see my. I thought perhaps they were lost and hoped I was a local who would provide directions.
That turned out not to be the case. Elatedly, the woman spoke. She said, "I see you here every week." Breathlessly, she continued. "About a month ago, I decided to buy a book for you." More animated with each word she uttered, she said, "I have looked for you every Saturday since. " I assured her, I was there every week, even on the most recent Saturday passed, Christmas Day. I thought possibly she came by before or after I left in earlier weeks. I did not have time to inquire. Impatient with glee and happy to finally connect, the sweet stranger presented me with the tome. Grateful for the expression of kindness, I quickly read the large type, "An Endless Falling in Love."
Unfamiliar with the title, I thanked her and thought of how special it is. My mere presence inspired her to think thoughts of love. The pair said "God bless." Each thanked me for doing as I do. Then, as traffic whizzed by, the vehicle merged into the flow. In an instant they were out of sight.
Curious, I tried to scan the cover. Yet, I did not wish to neglect what for me is my priority while at The Peace Corner, the people as they pass. I tucked the paperback behind my poster and continued to receive the endless warm welcome acknowledgements. For many minutes more, the air was filled with friendly exchanges. When it was time for me to be with me and continue the day, I read on. I discovered the manuscript was more religious than spiritual. The woman had handwritten a somewhat personal or practical note. She shared her name and the name of the church she is affiliated with.
While I am not a follower of a religious faith, for doctrines do not fill me with delight, I am nonetheless extremely touched. As one who believes that we each have a profound effect on all others, I am grateful for the recognition. The couple's choice to come close to me, to grace me with goodwill, and bestow benevolence in the form of a book and bequest . . . this is special to me. Encouragement. I think it is Part Two of an intensive study I trust has not ended.
The lessons I learned thus far from the woman I will call Donna and the aggressive distressed man whom I met on Christmas Day taught me. Empathy and Education come at us from every direction. Entropy and encouragement are also encountered. These qualities greet us on each avenue. Compassion, connections, and a chance to comprehend find us on street corners. Often we do not understand the messages or do not relate to the thoughts in a manner consistent with their intent. Still, unexpectedly, we are edified.
Mostly, we never know what another hopes to teach us. Nonetheless, I have no doubt, we learn from and with each other. Be it a holiday, a holy day, a hump day, or just a day, we gain knowledge. Please tell me, what did you learn from my story, or your own. Whatever it is, I feel certain that your experience, interpretation, and mine, will be wondrous, for each of us is a glorious Teacher.
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