Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Strangers ... or Not?

Being on vacation, I'm not around people I know. It's really easy for me just to mind my own business and keep to myself. But in the past few days, I've made contact with strangers in the following ways:

*Volunteering to return a shopping cart for a woman loading her car in the Wal Mart parking lot.

*Listening to an ESL woman coming out of Wal Mart asking for a "fire" to light her ciggy. Couldn't help her, but at least I tried.

*Tracking down the lady in the Christmas store and returning her umbrella, left on the floor when she went to look at other ornaments.

I don't mention these people to extol my good deeds, but to make a point. Last Saturday, Kat had a birthday. She celebrated by having a "Make a Difference" party, and encouraged people to volunteer to help others. Being in Florida, I felt I could do nothing, since I was in foreign territory (I know I could have done something, but I'm a chicken). So I did nothing on Saturday. But I've found out in the days following that there are opportunities to make a difference wherever I am.

These weren't big things, but maybe my small acts made a difference to those I met. I know it did to me. It helped me realize that there truly are no strangers - just people like me, waiting for that opportunity to make a difference.

2 comments:

Kat said...

You always make me smile, Luanne :-) See? That right there makes a difference, too!

Three simple things in your daily routine that made a difference (you get credit for trying on the "fire.") Imagine if we all did 3 each day???

This morning I just read your Dec 2006 blog on how you made Christmas not your Birthday last year... even more inspiration for some plans I'm working on for this year.

As always, you inspire me! (As do some other members of your family. Gosh, I feel like I should invite you all over for dinner sometime!!)

Luanne said...

Kat - you are too kind!! Thank you so much for the sweet words and encouragement!