A Thoughtful Stranger

Over the last few days, I have found my mind wandering to thoughts of the strangers we meet by chance and how they impact our lives. It seems to me that there are a few special people whose nature lends itself to others readily engaging them in conversation.

My wife is one of those remarkable women who I refer to as my treasure. She frequently finds herself engaged in deep conversations with total strangers who readily spill the most genuine and intimate details of their lives, their hopes and dreams, their failures and heartfelt prayers.

What is it about her and others like her that draws us into their confidence? Perhaps it is how she so easily finds a moment to smile or nod or say a word of encouragement to those around her. Perhaps she reveals herself by just doing the little things that come her way. It might be putting an unwanted item back on the correct grocery shelf rather than ditching it in a convenient isle. It might be by taking a shopping cart back to the corral or the front of the store, rather than leaving it beside the next vehicle. And very frequently, so much so that it has become a joyful habit, she will find herself at Aldi where it costs a quarter to get a shopping cart. She will complete her shopping and rather than take the quarter back for returning her cart, she will leave the cart available for the next unsuspecting patron to find a shopping cart for free.

This might not be anything major in the great scheme of things, it might not feed a hungry family or clothe a homeless man or woman, but then again, just maybe these simple acts of kindness, these simple acts of doing what we can, just might bring a smile or open our eyes to the angels around us.

So, if you go shopping at Aldi this week one of two things just might happen. You might find yourself engaged in conversation with a lovely woman who will listen intently, encourage and support you and even say a prayer, or you might walk up to the building and find a free shopping cart waiting by the door. Either way, remember to smile, a thoughtful stranger has been nearby.