Strangers

For your consideration…

The above picture is from Lexington, Michigan where I grew up. It was my launching pad. I was also the place where I was the shyest and least confident. It is safe and small so maybe it was my incubator.

We all have a story. We all grow and change. We all have to learn to step out of our comfort zone to do that.

Yesterday I wrote about an incident with a “stranger” in Costco. It was not the first recent incident. A few weeks ago I was eating with my friend, Janet, and a man came up from behind me and said, “Your hair is beautiful.” Later that day while shopping we ran into him again and exchanged some conversation. It was nothing deep, just pleasant. Last night while at the Detroit Tiger game a young woman came and sat by me. At first I thought it was my granddaughter surprising me but quickly remembered she was in Barcelona and this girl while also beautiful was not her. This girl proceeded to converse with Lisa and I. \ She wanted to tell me I was a “Queen.” She told us she was on a date night. I asked where her date was and if she was ok. If not, we would go with her and handle him. She laughed and said, “No, it is all good. I actually think he is going to purpose.” At that moment, this handsome young man that oozed kindness came over to get her.

I am aware this probably all sounds bizarre. But I believe these incidents are related. I was so drawn to movie, “The Journey” and its message, I have been prompted to include a key message from it every day in this blog. Yesterday, we were asked to be kind in one on one, soul to soul interactions with each other. Today we are reminded that to do that we have to “let our light shine.” We have to be willing to reach out and be accessible so that others can be drawn to reach out to us.

That is the HOPE. And so it is.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…

-Affirm…“I am loved.”

-Remember…You are the keeper of the light. Wherever you go there can be no darkness.

-Meditate/pay…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”

-Drink lots of water.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Reach out…let your light shine and inviting.

What made me smile yesterday…

-A beautiful day.

-Breakfast with Jul and Vickie.

-Lisa and I got dinner downtown and then went to a Tiger game.

-A young woman approaching me to chat.

-A good book.

Love, Blessings, and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris