I greet everyone on my morning walks. And I mean everyone—even those with four legs. I don’t care if people have headphones on or ignore me or even look away. Because most don’t—even if they are wearing headphones. They smile and greet me back! They’re happy to introduce their dog or tell me about their baby. Over time, many of us have exchanged names and some of us have even become friends off the Riverwalk. So the “hard cases” don’t bother me at all. I just continue to greet and smile and let God do whatever He wants to.
And on this particular day, God did something.
I have passed the same older Asian gentleman, walking slowly with a cane, for a couple of years now. Stone-faced, eyes straight ahead, he never acknowledges me or my greeting. But this morning, for some strange reason, he tipped his hat to me with a smile and whispered politely, “Good morning.”
I almost fell over!
The sweetness and complete surprise of it made me a little teary-eyed as I went my way. After all this time, I have no idea what changed or made him do that, but it made me happy. That’s probably putting it mildly. It felt like fireworks were going off in my heart! I was experiencing the true power of friendliness to effect change.
That gentleman has greeted me ever since. And my heart still smiles every time.
Consistent, unabashed friendliness, given freely to anyone and everyone alike, regardless of their non-response, has a strength and power we may not realize. It does something to us. People have told me so. It seems to plant seeds of goodness and goodwill somehow, and in this case, crack even the hardest of shells. It can also set off the best chain reaction. Suddenly, everyone’s greeting everyone! And it can all be used down the road in ways we may never fully know.
But sometimes, God does let us know.
Recently, a gentleman who has been riding his bike along the Riverwalk for a while now, stopped one day as I was locking up my bike for a walk. We have never spoken except for “Good morning!” as we pass. He said, “You know, I just had to stop and tell you something. I have to ride this bike for therapy. But it’s very hard and I really don’t want to do it. But then I get out here and I see your smile. It’s just so BIG … And I think to myself, ‘Ok, I can do this.’ And I just wanted you to know that it has really helped me.”
I thanked him for taking the time to tell me that and how much it encouraged me. Then off he rode, leaving me teary-eyed once again. Now my new prayer as I walk along is, “Lord, if someone needs a smile today, please use mine.” Because now I know He does use it. He absolutely does.
Friendliness doesn’t cost us a thing. Neither does a smile. Why keep it to ourselves?
Many people are simply and unconsciously waiting for someone to be friendly and then they will find the courage to be friendly back. Then at least on my portion of the Riverwalk, that wait is over. I’m passing out courage right and left! And having WAY too much fun watching what God does with it.
Good, sweet fun! ❤
Putting In a Good Word 