Everyone in the city is in a hurry. Nosing into traffic if there is the slightest gap. Pushing to get "there" before anyone else does. Walking fast. Elbowing their way through a crowd.
What's all the rush for? Where are they going that they need to save nano-seconds in their trip? And when they get there are they going to be able to engage with those they are with or will they have to unwind and relieve the stress, staying focused on how tired they are from the grueling commute?
It doesn't seem worth it to me. In fact, as I've written before, I'm finding it far less stressful to avoid being in such a rush. I just let them go on by. Besides, I'm finding that I get to see things they are missing. I leave a little earlier, step aside when they are pushing in and, this is the hardest one, go ahead and let them nose in ahead of me in traffic.
Some actions just don't seem worth the effort. I saw a woman last week going back and forth between two lanes of traffic, neither of which were moving. She must have been bored just sitting in a straight line. Or else it was a reaction to the stress. Can't relax. Can't miss an opportunity to get three more feet closer to...wherever she is rushing to go.
The one that took the cake happened the other day on the Metro. During rush hour trains come every 4 minutes or so. That's not a very long wait but people rush down the stairs to make sure they get down to the platform. They rush to the end of the train closest to the stairs when they exit at their stop. They take risks to make sure they get that train and don't have to wait.
The other day a woman actually stuck her arm and leg in the doors of the Metro to keep them from closing. They aren't like elevator doors. They don't pop back open when they hit you. They just clamp shut. She was stuck in there with her bags out on the platform asking for help to get the doors open...just so she didn't have to wait for 4 more minutes.
I guess the rush is what contributes to the lack of connection in the city. I pass literally hundreds of people each day and few take the time to look me in the eye and greet me. I'm making it a habit to do that. To say hello. To smile and to give people, even those who push in front of me, a kind expression to ease their day.
Take a minute to greet someone today. Even those who don't seem to have the time to greet you. Make eye contact. Wish them a good day...or better yet...bless them. Get to know those you see every day. Call them by name. They are valuable in the sight of God. Deeply loved and in need of your smile and greeting today.
