Paths Crossed

We each are usually well attuned to what’s going on in our personal little corner of our world.

We have a generalized idea of what tomorrow’s work day will be like. We plan to be up at a certain time, go through our morning routine, and do our daily tasks; both those to make a living and those tasks that include home, family, etc.

We know at the end of the day if we had an emotionally good day or not; if we had positive or negative interactions with people – or both.

But what about the people whose paths crossed yours today? What impact did you have on them? What impact did they have on you?

We usually have limited view on our personal lives, not realizing how many people we are able to affect daily. Many of us have been so self-absorbed that we’ve not been able to see beyond our self-perceived small corner of our world.

While I drive, I usually try to see the people behind the steering wheel (if traffic allows – safety first). I people-watch while at stop lights.

You know what I have discovered? There are a lot of people in pain, fear, or both.

Did you have kind words and patience with those who crossed your path today? Or did you strike out with your own pain or fear today?

Sure, there are some aren’t in pain or fear (kudos to them!). And there are some who are in fear or pain and try not to broadcast it; they try to hide it.

My point being, we have absolutely no clue about stranger’s lives or what they are going through.

And these are the people in our own neighborhoods, and town or city.

But not only that, each of us can have a massive effect – on the world – by how we treat our neighbors as we go about our day.

We already know that we have an effect on our pets, family and co-workers; but we also have an effect – positive or negative – on anyone we cross paths with.

And that effect spreads which can literally spread across the world.

Yes, your interactions with a person today can affect others across the globe; positive or negative.

Your smile or kind word to someone today can bring hope to one who gave up. That person will touch someone else, and off it goes, like a virus, spreading from one to another and another.

And your harsh or unkind word can have the opposite effect, but it too will spread like a virus.

But we are – all – so much more than we realize. Our personal world does interact with so many other personal worlds, and our interactions are affecting others on a global scale.

Challenge

I challenge each of you to stay consciously aware of each interaction with each and every being that crosses paths with you this week.

What will you be spreading this week?

by Jan Toomer

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