Yesterday I had a conversation with a delightful woman that has a daughter in the classroom just down the hall from my daughter at school. I see her most mornings as we both rush in...our mini adults in tow, hanging on for dear life as we rush to beat the tardy bell.
We exchange smiles and airy, rushed "hellos."
A week or so ago I found out some of the struggles her family has experienced this past year. Big ones, we're not talking hang nails here people...the death of her mother, work issues for her husband and much more.
All that time I was just flying by with a superficial smile and hello. I felt awful. Sick.
Not that I expect everyone to bring me all their problems. Please don't.
I can't figure out my own issues over here.
But it made me think long and hard about meaningful contact with people.
In what way could I have been more than just another empty hello to her?
I know that EVERYONE has a struggle on their mind and in their heart.
A hurt. A burden they are carrying.
EVERYONE.
So why would we not assume that the person sitting next to us is struggling too.
What would we want from others around us?
What would help ease our own burdens?
Maybe if I had really looked in her eyes when I said those habitual "hello" in the hallway.
It's not that I need to be this woman's BFF, she has a very full life.
But she does need to know that I SAW her, that I meant the smile on my face. That I noticed she pulled herself out of bed, that she had decided to participate in life that day.
I don't know. I just know that I could do better.
I have been gently reminded that we are here to help each other, to love one another.
I hope your day is well, that you feel loved today.
Noticed.
Cared about.
Smiles to you friends.
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