When you first encounter someone, do you make your overall opinion of them then and there? Do you base your reaction on what they wear, how they talk or how they look? Do you ever take the time to look deeper? I am reminded of the song “They Don't Understand” by Sawyer Brown. If you haven't heard it, please listen to it. I will give you an example of what it talks about.
It is Fall and a women goes into a coffee shop, sets down orders a cup of coffee and reads the newspaper. The counter person tries to engage the patron in conversation. “Hey what do you do for Thanksgiving?” The women looks up and gives weak smile and answers, “not much” then just lowers her head. The barista is kind of put off by the patrons lack of conversation and brief answer. She assumes the woman may not even celebrate Thanksgiving so rudely walks away. She doesn't see the tears in the patrons eyes. In her head the woman has a conversation with herself, “I wish I could remember what I do for Thanksgiving. I wish someone could wave a wand and make me remember. Since my stroke I barely remember anything.”
You see we assume before knowing any facts!
As you go to work, lunch, bowling, shopping or anywhere, take a minute to think. Perhaps that person who ignored you, seemed short with you or who never said anything to you has a story to tell. Or perhaps the tides are turned and perhaps that cashier that smiled and gave you her own change to help you out, the busser who went out of their way to clean a table for you or the phone operator who told you a joke to break the ice, maybe they too have a story to tell. How do you know which person has just lost a home to foreclosure, lost a parent to an unexpected death, going through a nasty divorce or has been sexually abused? Some people hide behind a smile, a joke or even a bad attitude.
I say all this to make a point. Everyone has a story. Giving people a chance could be the best gift anyone could ever give someone. Sometimes just someone to listen or give a hug or share a cup of coffee and pie, means more than anything.
By: Jeanie Houchin
Date: September 29, 2011
Dedicated to: Terrific Terri Richards
