One
famous actor or singer once said, "There is no such thing as a
stranger, just a friend I haven’t met."
For most people, however, strangers present a problem
today. When we approach a stranger on the street, we often glance away
or down to the ground to avoid eye-contact. There seems to be some kind
of fear about looking into the eyes of a stranger. Perhaps it is because
our eyes tell so much about us and we want to remain anonymous. We may
be afraid to let our eyes reveal our true feelings.
I came across a story recently that drove this message
home loud and clear. It looks as if it may have been a true story, which
makes it even more significant.
It was a bitter, cold evening in northern Virginia
many years ago. The old man’s beard was glazed by winter’s frost
while he waited for a ride across the river. The wait seemed endless.
His body became numb and stiff from the frigid north wind.
He heard the faint, steady rhythm of approaching
hooves galloping along the frozen path. Anxiously, he watched as several
horsemen rounded the bend. He let the first one pass by without an
effort to get his attention. Then another passed by, and another.
Finally, the last rider neared the spot where the old man sat like a
snow statue. As this one drew near, the old man caught the rider’s eye
and said, "Sir, would you mind giving an old man a ride to the
other side? There doesn’t appear to be a passageway by foot."
Reining his horse, the rider replied, "Sure
thing. Hop aboard." Seeing the old man was unable to lift his
half-frozen body from the ground, the horseman dismounted and helped the
old man onto the horse. The horseman took the old man not just across
the river, but to his destination, which was just a few miles away.
As they neared the tiny but cozy cottage, the horseman’s
curiosity caused him to inquire, "Sir, I notice that you let
several other riders pass by without making an effort to secure a ride.
Then I came up and you immediately asked me for a ride. I’m curious
why, on such a bitter winter night, you would wait and ask the last
rider. What if I had refused and left you there?
The old man lowered himself slowly down from the
horse, looked the rider straight in the eyes, and replied. "I’ve
been around these here parts for some time. I reckon I know people
pretty good." The old-timer continued, "I looked into the eyes
of the other riders and immediately saw there was no concern for my
situation. It would have been useless even to ask them for a ride. But
when I looked into your eyes, kindness and compassion were evident. I
knew, then and there, that your gentle spirit would welcome the
opportunity to give me assistance in my time of need."
Those heartwarming comments touched the horseman
deeply. "I’m most grateful for what you have said," he told
the old man. "May I never get too busy in my own affairs that I
fail to respond to the needs of others with kindness and
compassion."
With that, Thomas Jefferson turned his horse around
and made his way back to the White House.
As you go about your business the rest of the week,
talk to people with your eyes. Show them that you care, even if ever so
slightly. The person at the counter of the corner store; the carry-out
person at the grocery store; the parking lot attendant; and any other
person, young or old, male or female, who happens to cross paths with
you for any reason, are all just "friends you have not met".
Show them with your eyes that you respect them and make them feel like
they too have met a new friend.
Have a good week.
