This Message of Love from a Stranger Absolutely Made My Day

I'm not sure I can remember a time when I've heard so many East Texas families and friends of mine tell me how absolutely exhausted they are.

It's been a rough few years. We've been dealing with the fallout from Covid-19, political tensions, labor shortages and supply-chain issues, crazy heat and humidity...and THAT is on top of the daily stressors you and I face every single day.

It's almost as if many of us are finally feeling how emotionally draining it has all been. If you can relate, you're not alone.

Like many of you, I'm ready for a next chapter. As we work hard to turn that page, we've noticed many East Texans are still feeling some residual anger, frustration, or sadness. And we're continually surrounded with stress in our headlines and in our communities. It can feel emotionally acidic, both online and "in real life."

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Some people have chosen to amplify their anger and frustration in ways that are destructive to their fellow citizens and to themselves. Others, thankfully, have become even more compassionate.

Recently I was taking a late afternoon walk. Ya know, when it felt at least a little bit less hellacious outside. Nature has always been a balm for my heart, but particularly these last few years. It's a type of therapy for me. I was listening to music and trudging along like I always do, though feeling somewhat extra frazzled. But then...

I came up the hill behind my house where there's a particularly sandy area by the side of the road and found that someone had drawn a heart in the sand. Just about a foot away they'd written the words: "You are loved. It's gonna be okay."

I smiled. I felt better. A little bit at least. They took time out of their day to simply send a message of love and hope to a stranger. Me. Thank you, whoever you are.

The rest of my walk was spent pondering that someone took the time, not to belittle, not to yell, not to denigrate strangers for holding different beliefs and views than they held. It was powerful, that small act.

I'm sure you've experienced these random kindnesses. And if not, I hope you do. Perhaps someone paid for your coffee in the drive-thru. Maybe you saw someone help someone out of the blue for no reason at all except out of common courtesy.

Maybe it was just a smile from a stranger when you were having a difficult day. It matters. These "little" things we do out of love can change someone's day. So do the "little" things we do out of fear, or anger, or just wanting to blame someone else for...something.

We get to choose who we are and what we do in the world. Again--it matters.

On the walk back home I came back by the place where the message had been drawn in the sand and, after looking around for cars, knelt down and wrote "thank you."

I hope they see it.

"Thank you."

It mattered.