His eyes made sure to examine every person in the line in front of him yet, he never made eye contact with one of them; he gathered his cup of steaming goodness and left.  She stood in the line and couldn’t stop pulling her coat down, first in the back then the front, making sure she glanced at others; but never once lifting her eyes high enough to look into another’s.  His order wasn’t correct and although he didn’t raise his voice, those around him could see his displeasure and as he passed the woman trying desperately to order from this menu that clearly had too many choices for her, his shaking head and roll of his eyes was a clear indicator that his morning was not going well. 

     There was one man in a blue jacket and darker blue beenie that actually reached out in an attempt to have connection with those around him waiting for their orders.  Sadly, not one person was aware of his searching eyes as he quietly waited until his name was called.  He grabbed his cup and looked at each person, one more time as if willing them to see him.  They did not. 

     I couldn’t help but wonder how many times I didn’t see searching eyes just hoping to connect with someone as I waited in a line waiting for my name to be called?  How many interactions had I missed because my eyes were searching my phone instead of being aware of the living beings who surrounded me?  How many times have I been unaware? 

     I wanted so badly for him to look my way so I could give him a big smile and say “Hi”; but I wasn’t in line.  I was sitting at a table in another part of the coffee shop, and just happened to have a clear view of him by the counter. 

      I’ve recently begun scheduling time for social media and this was a confirmation that it was a good idea.    I realized I was wasting a lot of time being a spectator to other people's life and not living my own.  Don't get me wrong, I love seeing what my friends are doing; but I realized it was also a reason I wasn't getting my own things done.  I also decided I want more a "facetime" instead of facebook.  Nothing beats the real laughs, real conversation and real people getting together.

     So Mr. Blue Jacket, who got his coffee at the shop on the corner in Center City Philly this morning, please know you may not have had interaction with those around you; but you most definitely made an impact. 

“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it.”
— Hebrews 13:1-2

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