Yesterday, while walking around the local town of Arroyo Grande Village, I stumbled on something that surprised me. Signs on a yard. I was curious what they were, as voting day was one week ago. They weren’t signs for political parties or religious organizations, but signs to ignite a sense of comfort in ourselves. There were two signs:
Do Not Give Up
Your Mistakes Do Not Define You
On the corner of the yard was a table, with a little sign on it and a box. I assumed it would be poetry or a creative prose that could be offered to you for a small donation. Just like some stands I’ve seen on Venice Beach. But when I approached the table, the sign read that they would pray for your. Write about something you are struggling with, and they would pray for you. They were not asking for anything else, but to hand over your problems and they would honor you in their thoughts.
The owner was on his front lawn, boxes in hand. I am not sure if he was about to decorate his yard for the holidays or put up more signs. But I thanked him for the signs on the lawn, and how special that was. I thought of asking for a prayer, but instead offered a note on this Puzo/Bella card (perhaps you have received) to thank him for these gestures.
We spend so much time and energy talking about what is wrong with our lives and the world. I do not disagree, but the noise is heavy. In addition, we are each dealing with our own heaviness of personal issues. It was beautiful to witness for a moment someone using their home not to voice their political stance, not to show off their wealth, or to compete with the Jones’. The owners of this property simply wanted to uplift whoever was in their lawn’s presence. There was no forcing of their religion or any of their beliefs. They wanted to simply uplift their neighbors and fellow pedestrians on this tiny street.
And with this act of kindness, I wanted to pass it on.
To remind you that kindness among strangers still exists.
It only takes a smile.
It Only Takes A Smile 