Have you ever been in a situation that made you wonder if that particular moment was just a coincidence or a test of some sort? I had one today and I felt like everything slowed down and I was watching a lesson unfold in slow motion. I truly believe these moments happen to each and every one of us if we are open to receive them.

Pain has a way of wearing you down and this morning I was really feeling it. It’s so easy sometimes to let it just take over and let it run your life. Your will cracks and before you know it, your day has been defined for you.

I was getting out of my car at the grocery store and out of the corner of my eye I saw an older man who was on crutches with a back pack in the parking lot. He was moving with obvious pain and had a mask of determination on his face. I knew that look well. I continued into the store and at check out this gentleman just happened to be before me. He had his few items on the counter and the cashier asked him.. How are you today? He replied with.. I’m having a hard time to get around but I’m getting there. She interrupted him….Do you want plastic or paper bags? I saw a look of hurt and disappointment cross his face and he quickly replied neither, I will just put them into my pack sack. He then asked her how to get to another store which was about three blocks away and she gave him a rambled explanation of how to get there. What struck me was his politeness and sadness.

When he turned around to go, I saw these two words on the back of his coat, “Never Quit”. It was so humbling to read this and I felt ashamed of myself for my own self pity and I realized that was my lesson for today. I tapped him on the shoulder and said sir, if you wait a moment I will give you a ride to the store. His look of gratitude immediately put my own world back into proper perspective.

copyright Es-tee Miller

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” …Plato