Gold

It was a Saturday morning in New York City and my family and I were having our freshly made breakfast in Starbucks just a block from our hotel. We sat on the stools overlooking the outside world. I gazed through the windowpane minding my own business, concentrating on my family and nothing else. Beyond the glass of the corner café was a vast world that few truly understood or fully appreciated. It was winter break of 2012 and the city was overcrowded with manic tourists rushing to find presents for the holidays; the local businessmen and women were, once again, dreading the annual annoyance of the ecstatic buyers on “their” streets. With all of this commotion, the locals did not seem to notice all of the trash that littered their world, except for one. One who knew there was still hope, and one who would not stop looking but just keep moving forward. A ragged, beautiful, and optimistic woman who immediately caught my eye had interrupted my view from the Starbucks glass. There I was, sitting with my food and warmth, watching the world go by as this empty-handed woman dug through the various trash bags on the street’s curb. My heart was mangled as I stare with grief; my body paralyzed with awe. Before I could comprehend what was happening on my side of the glass I was already on the sidewalk with a fruit cup in my trembling hand, it was all happening too fast. I barely tapped her shoulder and spoke with the little words I could think of at the moment. “ Excuse me ma’am, I want to give this to you.” I spoke with no effort, as if someone had leaped into my mind spontaneously and took control. To my surprise she turned around, already smiling, looking me straight in the eye. The intensity of her stare was piercing, yet her smile soothed my aching heart. She told me to have the most amazing day and said, “God bless you child.”

I believe that if it were I out there on a cold, harsh winter morning then I would be hoping for an unexpected miracle every day of my life. I believe that we need to remember the Golden Rule, to treat others how you would want to be treated. I smiled and walked away when she responded gracefully; the smile was a small gesture, but I still remember hers and I hope she still remembers mine.

I don’t know what my purpose is here yet, but I do know that little things we do go a long way. She taught me a crucial lesson that Saturday morning in New York, she showed me to think not just of myself, but also those around me who breathe, cry, and hope like we do. I genuinely believe the Golden Rule applies to those who have no gold.