I met a man in Australia.
He’d been in a bar fight and had spent the night sobering up in jail.
He was sitting on the shady steps of the government building when I wandered past with a friend.
I don’t remember exactly who started the conversation…
I just remember seeing the dried blood and bruises on his face and asking what had happened.
What followed was a humorous and “colourful” description of his life and why things were the way they were.
As I listened to his stories, watching his eyes dance as he obviously enjoyed sharing his experience, I remember wondering:
Who is his family? Where is he going? What course will his life take?
I sensed so much potential in him.
It’s been almost two years and the memory of him (and his lively and partially inappropriate conversation) still makes me smile.
Despite a few obviously poor choices and a rough exterior – he was genuinely friendly, and I honestly enjoyed the brief time I got to spend with him.
What I have carried with me ever since that sunny day in Melbourne is this:
a) Everyone has a story, and
b) Our daily choices will eventually add up to something.
What do you want your “something” to add up to?
One of my “somethings” is that I don’t want to be ruled by fear in any part of my life.
In fact, that’s one of the reasons I talked to that Australian man in the first place.
At the time, I was afraid of talking to strangers.
Now I’m just uncomfortable talking to them. 🙂 I count that as growth. Haha.
I am still navigating my fears and the vulnerable avenues to freedom, but I’m getting there.
Today I am celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving with some family and friends,
And the memory of “my” Australian man is sitting in the back of my mind.
I am thankful I got to meet him, and I wish him well.
I hope he is choosing a path towards “something” amazing.
It’s what we were all designed for.
Happy Thanksgiving, Folks.
