A Place Where Ordinary Things Take Place

There is something unequivocally above average about people. Something indescribably unique, that keeps my curious eyes looking, watching…searching. Searching for reciprocity, for a smile, oh how I live for the smile of a stranger, and how indicative it is of a more elevated state of character. And the one who smiled would have died, never having known that their smile shone to the dark regions of my heart. Incredible, how I thrive on a stranger’s “hello”, the trivial extension of a hand for hello, my sustenance. I subsist on these things, and for many moments after.

Interaction, a reminder that I am not the only one that is alive. Human contact, reminds me that I am not alone. Strange hellos show to me the depth of a heart that transcends both the word and the person who utters it. Paints before me a greater picture of a status of the human being, that we are all connected, whether want to be, whether we chose to be and whether or not we are even aware of it. Connected by an invisible thread, the seed planted within our chests by something greater, and which emits with every smile, wave and hello.

The seemingly happenstance of serendipity, the intricately lain sequence of events in life lead me to moments of perpetual inspiration. No greater design could have ever been imagined by the likes of man. So purposefully placed are these occurrences, and yet so effortlessly arranged to perfection.

It happened as I was walking to school, a reluctant destination, however the events leading to that goal determined my state when I reached. It just so happened that I would coincidentally stumble across LIFE, on my way. As I crossed the street to the sidewalk to make my way to campus, I barely noticed a small thing on the ground. It flashed before my eyes, almost as if I hadn’t seen it at all. My heart started racing with curiosity as I walked closer…and much closer.

I nearly lost my breath as I realized that it was a little baby bird, lying dead on the ground, barely hatched. So I kneeled down, and looked intently at the small lifeless creature. So close was this bird to my heart. Utterly distraught, I peeled myself away from the curb and turned my back to the bird then proceeded toward campus.

Three meager steps down; I was swiftly captivated by the most breath-taking tree, in full bloom. Layers upon layers of mauve flowers clustered on this tree, audaciously making sure its presence is known. “Look at me” and I obeyed, my eyes, like anyone else’s are attracted to beauty like a moth to a flame.

My pace slowed as I attempted to gather the lush images with my unworthy eyes, I thought to myself, “how can a single moment in time be better than this?” The merciful sun glorifying this tree, and me standing next to it, witnessing beauty manifest. And then an even more merciful breeze fluttered the tender petals of His majesty, while the wind parted the branches revealing something even more unfathomably beautiful. Something only rare hearts would anticipate.

Beauty only reveals more beauty it would seem, as long as your eyes are open to see it. The breeze lifted the branches, exposing a frail old woman, looking at me from inside her home. Standing in the doorway, she watched me as I looked at her tree, with her luminous white hair and kind eyes, I had inadvertently stumbled right into her gaze. And we looked at each other for a moment, and she waved a subtle ‘hello’. I smiled and waved back.

I walked on with this smile, as this moment transferred its imprint onto my memory. I had momentarily escaped the heartache preceding it, and even the doom of my destination. Sweet escape.

I smile because I exploit my capability of doing so, I have never ever been more happy, but then…

There is always tomorrow.