Who Knew?

I had a wonderful revelation this evening while working behind the library desk.

A guy was walking by and I said, "Hey, ------! Good to see you!" And he smiled and returned the greeting, and then I said "Where are you living this year? I don't see much of you!"

That was an invitation, it seemed, for him to pour out a bunch of happenings and information to me. Far more than I expected-

But, I think, tonight, that was what he needed- someone just to unload to. And I was happy to be able to serve in that capacity. I had to go fix the printer, and I assumed he would leave, but he didn't. He stayed at the desk and waited for me. He really wanted to talk.

I didn't have any advice, didn't have any stories in return, I just simply listened.


And I think that was just what he needed. Who knew?

Who knew that serving in such a small capacity- for a grand total of 10, maybe 15 minutes- could make this guy's night? That it was just the thing he needed?

Who knew?

It makes me wonder, what other random acts of kindness we miss out on that could really make a difference in someone's day...