An experience happened to me yesterday (11/28/2018) that causes me to reflect on our awareness and ability to brighten others' day. I was busily going through the day's commitments and to-dos as I was exiting the main entrance of American Heritage. I felt stressed because of the failures of the day and the long to-do list that lay ahead of me, and apparently it was showing on my face. I was approaching the car which I had parked in the front of the school when a mom of the school caught my attention. She said: "Hey! you're not smiling. I know that something is going on because, like me, we're always smiling." That comment made me pause and take inventory of my feelings about the day and my current mental and emotional state. Without me saying another word she asked: "would you like some peanuts?" She was holding a large canister of roasted peanuts, and gestured for me to take some.
"Yes, please." I said, feeling like some sort of weight had lifted. She dumped a sizable load of peanuts into my hands, and I walked back to my car, munching as I went.
A few things about this experience stand out to me. First, this mom (Mrs. Gerlach) recognized that I was in a not ideal state of mind. She wasn't afraid to help or feel silly if maybe her invitation would be rejected. She saw a child of God who wasn't 100%, and she acted to help immediately. Second, I was humble enough to accept the help and, however brief, and that 30 second interaction changed the course of my whole day. I feel as though because of that incident I was able to step outside of my to-do box and recognize the needs of others. Later that day, I bought donuts and dinner for Gavin and Vanny which they greatly appreciated. Third, it wasn't really the handful of peanuts that changed my day. It was the human connection, understanding, and charity that lifted my spirits.
Thank you Mrs. Gerlach, and may your life be brightened because of what you did, and who you are.
