Observing Others

Today I sat with my laptop in a deli while waiting for my daughter to finish her shopping. I had so much on my mind, and was trying to decide what I wanted to write about today. I was at a complete loss - that is until a family walked into the deli.

I had been quietly musing and observing others as several people went to the deli clerk to order, and others mulled around with their shopping carts, and older men and women (moving at a labored, slower pace) maneuvered around them and workers buzzed by hardly even noticing those they passed.

Then a family walked into the deli and sat next to me, and I looked up to smile at them as they walked by my table. There was an older woman, two very young women - possibly in their later teens, and two children.

But of all the people who had walked past me and others today, they were the first to actually look me in the eye and greet me. The thing that impressed me most was that the young lady who I had thought was around 17, smiled at me and said- "Hello!" But as she continued past me to her table, she looked back again and said "How are you today?"

That small gesture brightened my day so much- and it did a lot to restore my confidence in the youth of today. It seems that today it is the 'normal' thing to just buzz by everyone else (usually with a cell phone attached to the ear), and not even notice those around you, and it is rare indeed when there is actually direct eye contact and a friendly greeting.

I was even further surprised when I observed the excellent behavior of the two young children who accompanied them. They were respectful, but what was unusual was that in addition to being very respectful and well behaved, they were happy.

The entire family was happy- everyone was thoroughly enjoying the others' company, and then I saw part of the reason why as they all (of one accord), took a few seconds to quietly and discreetly bow their heads and bless their food.

It was like looking into a world long gone- there was no texting while the family sat together- no cell phones ringing- everyone was fully "in the moment!"

Cell phones are wonderful- and I love mine as much as everyone else. But how great it is to see people engaging and interacting fully with their families- instead of putting others 'on hold' even during 'family time.'

Maybe our family relationships would be far better if every now and then when just turned the cell phones off for a little bit.

The payoff in our relationships would be great!