It all started on a hot day in August after sprinting to catch the tiger transit(Auburn University's bus system) with Anna....looking up to see a wrinkly old face shining a smile in my direction...love. Ever since that day I have been in love with the sweet spirit of my 80 yr.(give or take some) bus driver. He never delays his goodbyes or ceases to continue to do so after the 100th time he has said it throughout the day. Never is there a smile not returning back to me as I leave or enter the bus. And, never is there an annoyed face waiting for me after I have made the whole bus wait as I run to catch the bus before it leaves the neighborhood.
Today however, I noticed the absence of a wedding ring. And, I couldn't seem to understand why this sweet old man was not wearing one. Could his wife have died along the way of their long journey together. Or could he have been one that got overlooked in his younger years because he didn't own a pair of costas or wear rainbows, everyday of his life, unless it was raining when the sperrys came out... Even though he had the best and sweetest personality out of anyone that had a date every weekend because of a high status and expensive clothes.
I know that could very well not be the case but it got me thinking. I then began to realize how blessed I am to not have that mindset. That I can look at someone and find beauty in that person..no matter how they dress/look/speak/think/ or feel. Every human is unique and different in their own way. And, just as well, every human is alike in the sense that we were made by the Creator of all things who makes us in His image. Looking at it in this perspective it should almost be impossible to not only see the ugliness in someone. Looking past peoples barriers and outside appearance is where the true beauty lies. We may never know what some people are going through or have gone through over the course of their life, but we can be the ones to look them in the eyes and realize a hug is just what they need at this point in their life or a true, "You are beautiful and I think you are wonderful".
Once this mind-set is accomplished life is seen through different eyes. People are differently seen. And, its not just the regular ,"Man, they get on my nerves." But, its the,"God made this person and loves them beyond my comprehension and I think they are amazing." Not saying that people won't annoy you or make you mad...but its a lot less likely and when happening, realizing a step away is all that is needed to see the wider and larger view. So, instead of getting annoyed when I'm late because I was driven to class at 20mph, I take that step back and realize he is just enjoying the beautiful day outside, no hurries and no worries, and then I too, try and do the same.
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