What I like about Myra’s story is that she somehow managed to see Brenda as another human being and not just a homeless person. She was interested in Brenda as a person, not just out of duty, pity or charity.
Who do you have a hard time seeing without their label? Maybe a janitor, or a minimum wage worker at the drive-through window? Do labels affect how you view a Muslim, a homosexual or a Christian when you meet them for the first time?
Updating…
Myra works for a non-profit organization in Seattle called Turning Point.
My problem is less about labels and more about just stopping to notice somebody. A while back I started counting seemingly meaningless conversations with random people as acts of kindness. Sometimes the corporately required “how are you today?” from a checkout person reminds me to reciprocate the question…but I try to make it more personal to let them know that I actually want to know (and I really do…I have a sense of curiosity). The other day at my favorite burrito place (Big City Burrito) I asked the guy making my burrito if he had anything exciting going on. He responded by telling me about an upcoming visit with his family who he hasn’t seen in a while and about how he loves Idaho’s mountains. It was more than just a canned answer, but nothing too deep or personal. Just like Myra, I noticed someone. I believe these little things count in God’s kingdom, so I’m trying to be a little more intentional (but not forced) in noticing people more often.
It tough to break that personal “bubble” between strangers. Rewarding, but tough. My boss loves to be on a crowded elevator and talks to everyone, trying to pull everyone into a conversation even if it’s just common civilities. Folks think she’s an alien from another planet!
Kindness, a smile, a cheerful hello and an earnest “how ya doin’” are deeply ingrained in our Oklahoma landscape. When I’ve traveled where that’s not the norm, at first people seem put out by the gesture, but once engaged they seem to be uplifted (at least I am). But I admit, when it’s someone outside my comfort zone it’s tough and I don’t always put myself out there.