Lately, much of my time has been spent going to doctor appointments. I guess that goes along with the aging factor. During those times, I have the opportunity to observe the comings and goings of people – sick, well, hearty and sometimes close to death. Yesterday, as I sat in the car waiting for what I knew would be a short appointment for my husband, I had the opportunity to witness an elderly couple entering the building. It was obvious that he was confused. Each step he took was deliberate, yet unsure. Something that happens to all of us as we get older. He stopped just outside the door to rearrange a winter arrangement that seemed to call out to him. He and his wife stopped suddenly. He fixed what was bothering him and she guided him on. Through that interlude I could see a couple who cared deeply for each other. One a caretaker, the other the one needing care. Patience was evident. Love and compassion was obvious.

There was a woman with pure, white hair and skin almost the same color. She didn’t look very old, but her face said that she had been through a lot. She walked with a quick step and searched with her eyes for her car. For a moment looking lost, but eventually found. A man about 6’4 with a thick beard, steadily entered the building confidently. He carried a briefcase. Maybe a doctor or salesman. Another man, briskly walked into the building and quickly came back out. A woman who had most likely endured chemotherapy, boldly entered with her head uncovered, revealing a beautifully balding head. She apparently had a positive attitude.

OK, so what is my point? Am I becoming a voyeur in my old age? Well, that could well be, since I don’t spend all my time looking at my phone. I am a people watcher and have been for a very long time. As a writer, I try to observe as much as I can about the human race. As a performer, I’ve learned that this is a great way to learn how to develop a character. We’re all created to serve a purpose in this life. How we behave in our daily walk will have some affect on those around us. 

A lot of stories began to form in my mind as I watched. So many different people types, ages, abilities, difficulties. We’re all different, but even those tiny little differences make each one of us unique. When we allow folks into our lives, we are opening doors that may never have been opened. We’re also allowing friendships to be made, problems to be solved and understanding to take place. In that short fifteen or twenty-minute span of time, I witnessed a parade of individuals who were on their way to get good news or bad. Maybe they were making a delivery. Whatever their destination, they were on some sort of mission. 

As part of humanity, I find that everyone has a story. We may never discover what that story includes, but by reaching out, understanding and being compassionate, we may be able to help those individuals in some way – or they may be able to help us. Jesus was a perfect example for us to follow. He could see into the minds and hearts of individuals and know what they needed. We don’t have that ability, but we can still love, understand, have compassion for and help others, because He showed us how to do it.

“When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36 ESV