The Simple Things

Riding the bus home yesterday after work, I observed an encounter that touched me, and I wanted to share the story with others. It was a simple, yet profound instance of human companionship and one of those moments where the good in people peeks through the clouds of a sin-filled world.

Near the front of the bus, two old men struck up a conversation. They talked about religion, carpentry, family, and one of the men's upcoming surgery. They seemed eager to share their stories with someone who wanted to listen. I remember thinking as they spoke how privileged we are to have the elderly, how many years of wisdom and grace they possess, and how much they can teach us. Toward the end of the conversation (or at least what I saw of it), one of the men asked the other, "What are you doing tomorrow?" He explained that he had to take the bus to the south side of Richmond, across the river. The place that he was visiting the next day had a parking lot that was full of litter. He spoke about how demoralizing it was to see that, and how he's been planning to clean it up himself. But, since he only has one arm, he has trouble using a broom and has been looking for someone to help him. He invited his new-found friend to join him in cleaning the littered parking lot. They made plans to meet at 7 am the next day to catch the bus, and exchanged phone numbers just in time for the bus to reach my stop.

I don't want to elaborate on this too much; it seems to me the simplicity and goodness of the two men's encounter speaks for itself. I hope it will inspire you to take the time to notice the simple goodness of our everyday interactions and appreciate the gift we have in our elderly.