Learning from Strangers...

Dear stranger who sat by me on the metro this morning,

Thanks for your friendly smile and greeting as you boarded the train and sat down beside me. I always appreciate it when strangers take time to offer a welcoming hello - I feel like I’m back in the Midwest! So many times during the rush hour commute in the morning and evening, it seems like everyone is so focused on getting where they need to be that they, I mean we (I’m including myself in this group!) don’t take time to smile.

The main reason I wanted to write you this note is to thank you for your example. During my morning commute recently, I’ve had the thought several times that I really should spend my 20 minute ride reading something with more substance than the free newspaper I’m handed as I board the train. I mean, I like to stay up-to-date on what’s going on around the world, but most of the information I read in the paper turns out to be gossip about celebrities that I don’t really care to know.

This morning I felt a little embarrassed as I was reading the newspaper and I saw you pull out your small bible from your backpack. I sincerely thank you for your example! When I mentioned that I was impressed to see you reading your bible in the morning, I was even more impressed when you told me you’ve made it a daily habit on your morning commute.  

And, I appreciated your kind words that you’ll be praying for me and my new family as we welcome our baby next month. I couldn’t agree with you more - raising children and having God involved will make a world of difference.

Your friend,

Amanda