The Moment.

[Nathanial] Yesterday I walked around the streets of downtown St. Paul with a fairly simple objective. I had a backpack full of assembled Christmas Treat Bags and the goal was to empty the bag by handing these bags to individuals I passed on the streets. As I sit here and analyze the moments of that morning, I think the thing that stuck out to me the most was something I am going to refer to as “The Moment”. When you acknowledge someone passing by you and extend a small gift to them, there is always a split second where you see or hear how they choose to react. This “moment” of reaction is absolutely fascinating!

Yesterday I witnessed a couple of stern, cold faces break into a stream of light with gorgeous smiles. A friend I was with asked a lady, “Would you like a Christmas present?” the lady responded through a huge grin: “Whyyy yesssssss.”

A couple of people asked for the motive behind the action. Everyone was very surprised when I told them it was simply because everyone deserves a Christmas present.

More often than not “the moment” I witnessed yesterday was one of complete shock. It was almost as if people were telling me nonverbally: “What the heck are you doing?” My partner on the street pointed out how many of the individuals outside were very much in a “hussle & bussle” mode. People of the city have a tendency to get very much into a rhythm (thanks for that one, Stash). When you break that stride [physically and mentally] people seemed so thrown off that you are actually acknowledging their existence. I walked up to a bus driver sitting stationary today and I said “Merry Christmas, brother” and extended a bag to him. The grimace on his face was one that will stay with me for awhile. But he sheepishly said “thank you” as I wished him a wonderful day and continued on my walk. Why is our society so shocked at a simple hello and a smile?!?!?!?

Try smiling at somebody today. Try saying a simple “hello” to a complete stranger and watch quietly for “the moment”……it is truly captivating! Ειρήνη