The discount grocery store was very nice today. Miso soup ingredients, beans, shampoo, more tea, grain for hot cereal, maple syrup, potatoes.
A young guy there seemed to be aware of me (it was mutual, although I'm far too old), and when we were actually alone in an aisle, I assiduously avoided acknowledgement and eye contact, which then made me feel brutish and dull.
Because, if I could have just been natural and friendly, I could have helped a young man have a good day. Could have helped him feel magnanimous and significant, like an active participant in society. Instead, I pretended he was invisible, because I felt awkward.
I don't think I'm overdramatizing the effect we have on strangers, by our attitudes, actions, words. Please forgive me. And help me not be such a tomb. I treat every warm feeling as danger. Help me trust You and go forward boldly, and bodily, too. Loving and unafraid. Preaching the Gospel every-which-way.
A young guy there seemed to be aware of me (it was mutual, although I'm far too old), and when we were actually alone in an aisle, I assiduously avoided acknowledgement and eye contact, which then made me feel brutish and dull.
Because, if I could have just been natural and friendly, I could have helped a young man have a good day. Could have helped him feel magnanimous and significant, like an active participant in society. Instead, I pretended he was invisible, because I felt awkward.
I don't think I'm overdramatizing the effect we have on strangers, by our attitudes, actions, words. Please forgive me. And help me not be such a tomb. I treat every warm feeling as danger. Help me trust You and go forward boldly, and bodily, too. Loving and unafraid. Preaching the Gospel every-which-way.
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