Happy people are anomaly these days. I was running around the park yesterday and not many people smiled or appeared to be happy. People just looking at there phones, walking their dogs, running or listening to their music. I guess I wasn't really all that surprised at most of the individuals I past, just trying to enjoy the beautify day or get through life. But two people stood out to me during that run.
The first was A young women. She was my age or a even a bit younger and she was pushing a child in a handicap stroller. The boy had to be around 4 years old. He had a hat and sunglasses on, no expression on his face, and was clearly paralyzed. I passed her multiple times each time she had a worn out frown as she pushed the bulky stroller. The first time I saw her I prayed: Lord, she clearly has so much going on in her life. How difficult her life appears to be. Give her strength. The second time I past her I prayed: Lord be with her give her Peace. Please bless her. The 3rd time I echoed my first two prayers and I smiled at her. I didn't know about her situation or what she was going through but I knew that it was probably difficult and so I wanted to encourage her each time I past her so I prayed a sentence for her and I smiled. The last time I past her she looked at me and smiled back. A God moment...
The second individual was a middle aged overweight man. He was maybe in his mid forties, balding and walking by himself. I Running in the opposite direction as him with a pace three times he's speed, I past him often. Each time he smiled at me. He was about the only one who smiled every time. Maybe he was thinking to himself - what a good looking lady I was. But I believe he was probably thinking. I wish I could run and bit fit. I prayed that he would keep going and that with each step he would feel better about himself and who he was and if he was trying to get in shape that he would. I didn't know his situation or anything about him but I wished him the most because he blessed me - with a simple smile.
Often times, we don't know peoples situations and we assume. I did... about two strangers at the Park. Even though I don't know what they were thinking or the life they were living God knows their situations.
I often forget to be happy. Perhaps it's years of being around unhappy people. Growing up in around a unhappy family. Or it's just the fact that I don't feel like I deserve or should be happy when there is so much ugliness in the world. I wonder how many times people pass me in the park and I am not smiling or looking unhappy.
So even when life seems to be crazy and the run is hot and long... and smiling is the last thing on my mind. I will do my best to choose Happiness. Life is too short to not be. #behappytoo
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