I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently
completed my college degree. The last class I had to take
was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with
the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced
with. Her last project of the term was called “Smile.”
The class was asked to go out and smile at three people
and document their reaction. I am a very friendly person and
always smile at everyone and say, hello anyway…..so, I
thought, this would be a piece of cake, literally.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband,
youngest son, and I went out to McDonalds, on a crisp
March morning. It was just our way of sharing special play
time with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be
served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to
back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move
an inch…an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside
of me as I turned to see why they had moved.

As I turned around, I smelled a horrible “dirty body” smell,
and there standing behind me were two, poor homeless men.
As I looked down at the shortest gentleman, close to me,
he was smiling. His beautiful sky-blue eyes were full of
God’s Light as he searched for acceptance. He said, “Good day”
as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second
man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I
realized the second man was mentally deficient, and the
blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation. I held my tears as I
stood there with them. The young lady at the counter asked
him what they wanted. He said, “Coffee is all, Miss.” because
that was all they could afford to be able to sit in the restaurant and
warm up; they had to buy something. They just wanted to be
warm. Then I really felt it…a compulsion so great I almost
reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.
That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set
on me…judging my reaction. I smiled and asked the young
lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals
on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table
that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the
table and laid my hand on the blue eyed gentleman’s cold hand.
He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, “Thank you.”
I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said,” I did not do this for
you…God is here working through me to give you hope.” I started to
cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my
husband smiled at me and said, “That is why God gave you to
me, honey….to give me hope.” We held hands for a moment, and at
that time we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been
given, were we able to give.

That day showed me the pure Light of God’s sweet love. I returned
to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I
turned in “my project” and the instructor read it….then she looked
up at me and said, “Can I share this?” I slowly nodded as she got the
attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that
we, as human beings and being part of God, share this need to heal
people and be healed. In my own way I had touched the people at
McDonalds, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that
shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college
student. I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would
ever learn….UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.

Much love and compassion sent to each and every person
who may read this learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE
THINGS – NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.

Author unknown…