01 August, 2018

The Best Thing


My sister and I went to the city recently. We discovered new op shops, we eavesdropped on interesting conversations. We admired old and collectable books and breathed in the atmosphere of second-hand bookshops - it was quiet, almost reverent; like the feeling of a library, only magnified. We were amazed at how many books can fit into small shops, and realized how many books we haven’t and won’t ever hear about. We traipsed around the shopping area looking for a particular store with the not-always-helpful google maps. I managed to thoroughly embarrass my sister by forgetting how to operate a lift and which level we were supposed to get out on. We got honked at when I didn’t see a car as I pulled out, and we saw two vehicles collide right next to us. We had doughnuts, and ate them outside at the cafĂ© table and chairs like normal people. I played a street piano which happened to be more in tune than ours at home. We walked, and talked, and laughed a lot. We joked about my parking skills. We just really enjoyed life, and we got ice cream on the way home. We saw so many people, but, as my sister said, everyone looked either sad or fake. Everyone except the friends we made.

When we finished exploring at our first stop, we noticed a guy busking across the street. As I put my coins in his guitar case, he interrupted his singing to say thank you, and added ‘you have beautiful hair.’ I said thank you and he said ‘have a beautiful day.’ We wished him the same. And, you know, that little interaction was somehow more rewarding than the impressive shelves of books and all the racks of clothes we’d just looked through.
As we were looking for a place to park next (mostly because I missed the obvious parking signs), I recognized a homeless man sitting near the mall entrance. It was the same man I met about a year ago. When we’d found a park, I walked past to make sure it was him, and asked my sister if she had any change. After we gave him the money, I asked if his name was Grant. He was taken aback and asked how I knew that. I told him I’d met him almost a year ago, and wanted to say hi after I saw him again. He seemed touched, and we got talking about where we were from, as it was evident I don’t come to the city often. It turns out he used to work on a property a few kilometres down the road from where we live! You know, the world seemed to slow down in that moment. People were rushing past, crossing the road and hurrying on, but here we were, leaning against a pole, having a good old yarn to a man who could’ve been our neighbour. My sister and I exchanged smiles afterwards and I knew she got it. 

We finished in that area, and were walking back to the car which was a couple of blocks away. Near the last entrance we had to go through was another man experiencing homelessness. He was a young guy, and he was holding a ginger striped kitten. We walked over, and as he saw our intentions he called out ‘God bless you!’ I asked about his cat as my sister gave him the coins, and he said its name was Eddy. ‘After Ed Sheeran,’ he added. He didn’t have lots of stuff; he didn’t even have warm clothes on. But, you know, I think he was the happiest person we saw. 

My sister and I talked about our day as we drove home. It had been full; we’d seen a lot of things, we’d had fun, we’d found stuff to buy and bring home. But we agreed the best part was our experiences with the busker and homeless guys. It was connection. That’s what we’ll remember. I’ll think of Grant when I drive past that property now. I’ll think of the guy with his orange kitty when I hear an Ed Sheeran song.  

So, you know, amidst a fun day out and the bustle of a city experience, I think I discovered one more secret to this life: the best thing we can give to our fellow human brothers and sisters is the gift of connection.

22 comments:

  1. I love this. A lot. And I love the post you linked just as much.

    I've never really had a lot of interaction with homeless people. I live in a small town and rarely go into the city. But for a while my mom would carry bags of food/toiletries in the car with us... Or sometimes we give them granola bars, etc.

    Anyway, I don't know why I'm rambling. Have I ever even commented here before? If not, hi. ☺️ I love your blog. And I love your heart for things like this. ❤️

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    1. Aww, thank you, Zane. Your encouragement means a lot. All praise to God. :)

      I know what you mean - it's pretty much the same for me. Maybe it's because I'm not used to it that these things affect me more. But that's a good idea to have a few things handy to give to people when you see them! I'm sure you've been able to be a big blessing. :)

      And hi back! :) Thanks so much for your comment and sweet words! xx

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  2. What a great story! Sister time is always the best! I'm so glad that you were able to reach out to those homeless guys. I know that it wasn't a coincidence that you saw Grant again, God definitely made that possible! I will keep them in my prayers.
    -Brooklyne

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    1. Yes! It was so cool to see God orchestrating things. And you're right about sister time too. :D Thanks so much for your comment and prayers! Many blessings to you. xx

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  3. wow.... God is always working. SO AMAZING

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    1. Amen! That is so the truth. Thanks Julia. xx

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  4. I love this! Thanks for sharing, Jess :D.

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    1. Aww, thank you for reading and leaving a sweet note! :)

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  5. It totally was the best part of the day! I enjoyed re-living it a lot. And being with You made the day so special. Thanks for featuring me. ;)
    xox

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    1. Bae!! It was actually being with you. ;) Thanks so much for the fun memories. :) Sending all the hugs... xx

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  6. Umm hello, this is the best post! Girl, you've touched on what's been on my heart for this past couple of weeks.
    Love!!! XOXO

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    1. Aw, thanks. :) Wow, that's so cool! Must be God working again. :) Much love back to you, and thanks for your encouragement! xx

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  7. Jess, this post is rich with meaning and full of inspiration! I love the way you write. As I read the first paragraph, I was thinking, "wow, I love the way she shares all the little things that made up her day that I wouldn't think to share if someone asked 'how was it?'" I was thinking it was a beautiful paragraph. But it turned out only to be the part used to contrast and highlight that which was REALLY the best thing. Thank you so much for writing this!

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    1. Thanks so much for your thoughtful encouragement, Jordy! Honestly, it means a lot. :) Praise God, for anything good is all from Him. Thanks again - many blessings to you!

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  8. You have the kindest heart I know of. This story made me smile so big, I am glad you shared this with us. Running into the same people and them having more of an impact than the first time you saw them is beyond amazing. This blog post is beautiful!

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    1. Aww, V, you know how to cheer and encourage a person. Thanks so much for your sweet words, and all praise to God - anything good in me is because of Him. :) I'm so glad this made you smile! xx

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  9. All these stories you've shared about connecting with homeless people or random buskers are both encouraging and convicting. I'm not a people person to begin with, so the idea of approaching a random stranger and talking with them is downright terrifying! But all your stories have made me want to at least try and step outside of my comfort zone.

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    1. Aw girl, believe me when I say it isn't natural for me either. I get super nervous every time, but it's so rewarding. I hope you do get to try it sometime! It will be worth it. :) Thanks for sharing - it's encouraging to hear your thoughts. :)

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  10. PS: I nominated you for the Liebster Blog Award. Check it out here: http://gloriakluth.blogspot.com/2018/08/liebster-blog-award.html

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When you comment:

1. My day will be brighter, my face smiling, and my heart blessed.

2. I’m likely to immediately go and explore your blog (if you have one) to find out more of your amazingness, and return the blessing.

3. I will then attempt to craft a response to you that will somehow fail to convey how much I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness. I’m grateful for every word of encouragement you give, and don’t be afraid to share some constructive criticism also; there’s always more to learn. In short: thank-you! :)