Stop

We have painters at our house climbing on the roof. They're out all day in the hot sun and are drinking from the hose when they get thirsty. So, yesterday afternoon, I brought them some cold, filtered ice water. They thanked me profusely. We got into talking and come to find out they're in college. One's going for his bachelor's in 6 years and the other for his masters in early childhood guidance in 7 years. And it occurred to me, what brought them here? Why painting houses? They're there from 9am - 8pm with one 1-hr break for lunch and it's just the two of them. Everyday. All week.

What else don't I know? Where is the car next to me going on the highway? Why do some people seem so forlorn while others so happy? What happened to them today? Did their spouse get a promotion? Did their child die?

Step out of your life for a moment and ask someone how they're doing. Next time you're at your little sister's graduation or you're on your way to work and passing a wreck - think about it. Your life could be so different.

I poured a glass of water down the drain today because it was 'old' and too warm to the taste. That glass in a different location could mean so much to someone other than me. Don't take what you have for granted. We often don't think about our actions until after we've committed them. If we just cared a little bit more, just a minuscule bit, everything would be so different. Just stop once in your day. Just once.