‘I miss people. You know, I’ve always been the shy person and I didn’t need lots of friends to feel good about myself. I’ve always been happy with a cup of coffee and a good book. But that was before. That was before I felt completely isolated from everybody. That was before I felt alone.
I have always been the type that would say “no” to anyone who would invite me anywhere. There were just a few people that would convince me to go out or take part in social gatherings – and even they would need some time to convince me. That was before I started having nowhere to go. That was before the shops and libraries were closed, before the book shops were given the sad look they have today.
You see, I used to say that I am the type that doesn’t need people. I’ve always needed only a few people that I love and I am happy with. I needed my family that was far away but I could visit anytime I wanted. And one more thing: I have never been a huger. I always found it too intrusive. The only hugs I really needed were the ones from people I love. But that was before. Now I feel like hugging strangers on the street. I feel that a smile is worth more than a thousand words, no matter who it comes from.
Before all this, I wouldn’t have even looked at all the people I would pass by. Now I do. I look at them and I always try to reach their eyes. Some of them tell sad stories, others try to smile and you can only understand that by looking at the wrinkles around them. Other eyes are happy and still have the sparkling of hope. But no matter what they say, it is so worth looking at them because they are saying the stories of today. Stories of pain, stories of hope, stories of sadness and happiness, stories of uncertainty. And all these strangers’ eyes tell OUR stories.
No matter who you are – an introvert or an extrovert, a people’s person or the lonely type – look into the strangers’ eyes because they say invaluable stories that belong to us all.’
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Be blessed and remain in the Father’s love!
Xoxo,
The Father’s Love Team