Taking the Time...

I go to the gym at the same time pretty much every morning.  When you go to the same place, at the same time every day, you begin to see other "regulars."  There is an older gentleman who is always working out at the same time I am at the gym.  I would say he works about for about half the time and spends the other half of his workout time, making the rounds, chatting with people :)  I am a big people watcher (and maybe sometimes stare at people- I KNOW- so rude) and I have seen many different reactions when this gentleman strikes up a conversation with others.  Some people are genuine and chat it up with him.  Unfortunately, most people I have seen, appear annoyed and just kind of nod and do their best to the leave the conversation, albeit politely, but quickly.  I have had several conversations with this man and I have to admit, that I am not always excited to talk to him when he approaches me, because I only have a limited time I can workout with my kiddos being in the daycare.  However, I ALWAYS tell myself: "treat him how you would want to be treated" and we end up always having a good chat.

Yesterday morning, as I walked into the gym, I saw him working out on a weight machine and another younger man approached him and said, "By the way, thank you for your service."  I am assuming this man had a conversation with the older gentleman about his time in the Navy (I know he was in the Navy because he has told me:).  The younger man not only took the time to listen to him, but he came up to him AGAIN to convey his respect and gratitude.  It made my heart swell and I wanted to give that guy a big hug.

I am particularly sensitive to this particular situation because someone in my life who I am very, very close to has extreme difficulty communicating, but he still is a person who wants to talk and engage with other people.  I, sadly, have witnessed him, on multiple occasions, be brushed off and treated like he didn't really have anything to say because he is very hard to understand.  The truth is, his cognitive abilities are very much intact and he knows exactly what he wants to say! 

Here is the deal.  We are ALL busy.  We all have A LOT going on.  So, yes- is it inconvenient when you are trying to check out at the grocery store after a long day at work, trying to make it home in time to make dinner, and the person behind you wants to tell you about their grandson?  Or is it totally frustrating when your kids are freaking out as you are walking out of a store or maybe you are leaving church, and someone wants to tell you about when they had kids?  Yes it is.  BUT- unless your house is burning down or your baby is choking, can you spare 5 minutes?  Like really talk to that person and listen to them?  

We are living in a society where our heads are always down looking at our phones, always in a rush to get to the next place.  

We have forgotten people matter!

EVERYONE has a story.  

 EVERYONE matters.  

Hoping today, if you are afforded the opportunity, you can take the time and let someone know they matter!

Linking up with Natalie and Annie today!