Retired homeless fisherman
Creative Commons License photo credit: pedrosimoes7

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring, and the last project of the term was called “Smile.” The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reaction. As I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone, I thought this would be a piece of cake.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son and I went out to McDonald’s on a crisp March morning. It was our way of sharing special playtime with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, even my husband. An overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. Turning around, I smelled a horrible “dirty body” smell and there, standing behind me, were two homeless men.

As I looked down at the short gentleman, who was now close to me, I noticed he was “smiling.” His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God’s Light as he searched for acceptance. He said, “Good day,” as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally deficient and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation. I held my tears as I stood there with them.

The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, “Coffee is all, Miss,” probably because that was all they could afford. To sit in the restaurant and warm up they had to buy something, and they just wanted to be warm. Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.

I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman’s cold hand. With tears in his eyes, he looked up at me and said, “Thank you.” Leaning over, I began to pat his hand. “I did not do this for you,” I said. “God is here working through me to give you hope.” I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son.

When I sat down, my husband smiled at me and said, “That is why God gave you to me, honey, to give me hope.” That day showed me the pure light of God’s sweet love.

I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. When the Instructor asked if she could share it with the class, I nodded. She began to read and that is when I knew that we, as human beings and being part of God, share this need to heal people and be healed. In my own way, I had touched the people at McDonald’s, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: Unconditional Acceptance. Much love and compassion to each and every person who may read this. May we all learn how to love people and use things - not love things and use people.

By Elizabeth O'Connor

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