I watched an elderly man outside a coffee shop this morning. His clothes were tattered and worn with age, though his eyes still hinted at joy.

“Beautiful morning,” he smiled and winked, then waited for a pause in passersby. As the last of the foot traffic called out their orders – “One triple, Venti, half-sweet, Non-Fat, Caramel Macchiato” – I saw him make his way to the bins.

“Ugh, will you look at that,” a young woman sneered. “Picking through trash and bringing down our property values.”

I couldn’t believe what I had just overheard. How could anyone prioritize property value over that a precious human life?

I pushed my way through to the counter, ordering a hot sandwich and coffee ‘to go’. As I passed the young woman I paused to say, “Everyone has something to share.”

We talked for nearly an hour, he and I – his eyes glimmering in sharing the tale of his once magnificent life. His voice softened as he sipped the last of his coffee, “I held her hand and watched her die. She was the love of my life. After that…”

His voice trailed off.

We always think we know, my loves. Through slivered glance we cast our opinion, all the while missing the ‘story.’

And, yet? We’ve the audacity to wonder what’s wrong with this world.

My darlings, through awareness we find peace – yes, this is true. Though, it is humility that enables our purpose.

As we witness the trials and challenges of another, we must never view ourselves as higher. For no one is ever without the need for kindness and compassion, and this life is ripe with opportunity to share our love.

And, but for the simplicity of these moments right here – we might never know the true value of their journey.

I reached into my purse to hand him some money. He threw his hands on protest and smiled, “Your presence is gift enough.”

How ironic that this man who seemingly had nothing in this world, provided me the gift of feeling of value.

A little something to consider on this day ~ to pass by, or to pause and reflect. The choice is always yours, my loves.

Namaste ❤️