Yesterday was a cold and blustery sort of Pooh day (I love that) and I couldn't help but smell the Starbucks coffee, as we rounded the curve that led me to the book I was searching for. I picked up my book, glanced at the price on the back, and headed for the coffee counter. People were sitting around the circle podium, drinking their drinks and enjoying each others company. There were lone people there also. They were quietly reading, while sipping their drinks. The "guest helper" behind the counter, came quickly (he was very busy, as well), and asked for my order. I felt so welcomed there, in spite of the business this season brings (I love that). While I waited for my Pumpkin Spice Latte, I looked at each table's guests and my heart sort of bounced around inside of me. Some of the bounces produced a very happy experience...a feeling that all was well...and it put a smile on my face. Other glances produced great sadness. My heart went out to what these people might be going through, what their eyes told me, with what looked to me to be extreme sadness. Were there silent cries, that are easily missed? Or am I just paranoid?
Another hair salon, just a couple of doors up from my own Elements Salon, shared a conversation he had with a client's mom. She had called to cancel her son's appointment because he had committed suicide the day before. My friend told me he had noticed how depressed this young man had seemed the last couple of visits. My heart broke for the family...and for the young man. Was he silently crying...and nobody heard?
This is the time of year we, as a nation, have chosen to celebrate with thankful hearts. And right in the middle of my thankful heart, there lies a spot that goes out to the hurting. My family is so blessed...and I am grateful. This just may be one of the happiest times in my life. Yet, this morning, as I took that first sip of coffee, laced with Bailey's Pumpkin Spice Creamer, from my own coffee-brewing pot, in the warmth of our home, my mind went straight back to the Starbucks Coffee circle, in my Barnes and Noble Bookstore. And from there it reached out to the many hearts without smiles, those bent downward not wanting to look me in the eye, in the many department stores and retail outlets, that I've encountered this past year. And it makes me sad.
There are many who have an indifferent outlook on life. They don't notice those around them that are despondent. I know this, because I've asked of various co-workers. Much of the time, they will take on an attitude of "they deserve it." To that, I must respond, "I deserve it, but God has chosen to cover me with grace." I don't know why God loves me so much, I just know He does. And the beauty that many fail to see, is that God loves them too. He wants to spread His Grace all over them...if they would but let Him. Difficulties of life remain...but there is a way through them, with head lifted up and genuine smiles, because our hope is not in what others think of us, not what others say to us, not what others expect of us. It is in Jesus Christ alone.
Ahhhh...my morning coffee.
Thank You, Lord of all creation, for all You've provided for this, my family...
I'll remain, until I'm no more...here, in Mary's World.
