Hello Everyone, Just felt like doing an update today. Had several dreams about Danette lately, she seems to be always on my mind. I try to think of how she would handle some of the situations that have come up lately. She just always had a positive look on everything so I'm trying to keep that attitude... .....POSITIVE...... One of the times I reflect on alot was the time we were up for a visit and we were sitting in her office at the church and she asked if I would write on her head. I thought she was crazy but she was smiling so big at me as she hands  me a sharpy.... There we sat on the sofa giggling as I write this message on the back of her beautiful bald head...."Look for the good in everything"  What a great message she wanted to share with everyone....that moment with her made such a difference in my life. As times get hard I try to remember that time and look for the good in everything......Hope everyone who still reads this can look for the good in every situation that God has sent your way....enjoy todays entry......

     People Watching—it’s good for you

Spend more time people watching, with the specific intent of noticing all the good in those around you.  Cease all judgment.  Instead of noticing body piercings and flabby bellies, pay attention to the bright eyes, nice smiles, and behaviors of your brothers and sisters around you.  Notice the way they talk to one another, along with the uniqueness of each person’s expressions.  Isn’t it amazing how different we all are?  There are so many ways we express ourselves, through our language, fashions, demeanor.  We so often get so caught up in judgment, that we cease to notice the miracles that are breathing, living, working and growing all around us. 

            When I was 18, I worked in this really neat Hallmark cards gift shop.  One night, just after dark, the store was empty when a big bear of a man walked into the shop.  Me and my female co-worker exchanged an apprehensive look with one another, as he headed to the card isle.  I confess that our judgment was quick as we took in the image of his black Harley Davidson jacket, numerous chains, burly chest and wild hair.  His beard hung nearly to his belly, and his gold earring gave him that “pirate” look. 

            But as every good Hallmark girl is trained to do, I followed my duty of greeting every customer and set off toward the birthday card isle, full of intimidation and expectations of who I thought this man was.  I thought I had him pegged….he’s one of those Harley Davidson bikers that are mean, tough and angry.  (Where I got this, I’m not really sure.  That’s just how judgment of our fellow humans works, isn’t it?) 

            “Can I help you find anything tonight sir?” I asked, expecting a “no.”

            “Yes!”  he said with the most friendly smile I had seen all night.  “I need a card for my mother, something funny but sweet.  Could you help me find it?”  We spent the next 20 minutes going through the cards together, talking about his mom and laughing about some of our findings.  I suddenly noticed his light blue eyes, and quick smile.  He was one of the nicest men I  had ever met.  His whole presence was full of kindness and love.  By the time he left, birthday card in hand, I found myself saying, “Wow! What a neat guy!” 

            He has influenced the way I look at every other “biker” I have met.  I guess I look for every black jacket, Harley Davidson guy and gal to be a little like him…and I have found it to be true.  They  have some of the nicest, free-spirited, community-oriented and relational people I have met. 

            Through the years I have grown to enjoy watching people, and noticing the uniqueness and wonder of the many colors, cultures, fashions and expressions of the human race.   I acknowledge that we are all part of the human family, and I am overwhelmed with love for these family members that I have never met.  Go ahead, try it.  Just sit and watch, noticing the people around you and be blessed by them.

 

 

 Lil sis, Julie