The Flip Side

There’s a well-known little diner down in my hometown, right by the railroad tracks. It has its unique character and the owners carry a precious backstory. The servers are family and they make you feel like you are part of theirs. Whether it’s your first time in or your 100th, you are welcomed with open arms and a genuine smile. Some customers respond heartily while others attempt to be a bit more dismissive. The charm nonetheless has its effect. And then there’s the infamous piano man… Dressed nondescriptly, sweetly disheveled, he takes his place at the piano around lunchtime. His hands find the keys to conjure forth melodies from long ago to fill the dining room.. Then came the day I walked in alone. I sought an out of the way place and found a table behind the piano. He began to play, and then paused to turn around to share with me – his story. This man, long retired, uses his gift whenever he can, here and in nursing homes. He’s not out much after dark but he truly brightens the atmosphere. As I ate and listened, I learned of his early days and his love of music. I learned of how he was discouraged by others when he sought to pursue this dream. He talked of a girlfriend and learning new-fangled music like Sinatra. He was a delight and his story – an inspiration. Pursue, hone and use your gift; don’t stop playing. Tell your story. You never know who might be blessed. Daresay, awakened to re-engage in life with fresh gusto.

“Every little thing is going to be all right…”

It was one of those days that was a little more difficult. I was looking for paint samples to refresh the tiny home that my husband and I had shared. Decisions and excursions to our local hardware store were usually made together.

Something simple like this was a reminder that God was in the process of making all things new. I was moving forward but it was not with open arms.

As I stepped up to the paint counter, I was greeted not only with a huge smile but a song. His melody took me immediately back to a viral video I’d viewed and shared some months before. It lifted my spirits, for sure.

Don’t worry about a thing…

God knew just what I needed. On the outside, it was a simple paint selection. The task ahead could’ve been a part of a remodel. The gentleman sharing his sweet song and kindness was fully unaware of my inner unrest.

He will most likely never know. He simply chose to sing, to smile and engage with his customer in that moment.

We may dismiss those in front of us or assume their presence mirrors our need in the moment. There are back stories behind every face. A small decision to make eye contact, smile or even sing – no matter how brief a time, can lift a spirit in precious ways.

This day, I was on the receiving end and I left grateful and encouraged. Not only did this person SEE me, he was a reminder that in my hard times, my dark times, my sad times…God sees me and shows up in wonderful ways.

Missions is not just overseas. The heart of this section is to encourage and remind us to pause and see the one before us. Everyone has a back story. Acknowledging one another on the way to where we are going stands to impact them and us in ways we cannot fathom.

Why the flip side? I look at a coin and weigh it according to its value but typically overlook the face on the other side. Who is imprinted there and why? I think of people I pass by every day on the way to where I am going but what if my on the way is just as critical in the life of another as my destination? 86,400 seconds are wrapped up in a 24 hour day. Rather than just spending what I have, what if I invested merely 30 seconds in brightening another’s day with a smile, eye contact or calling them by name? I still have 86,370 to spend so it really costs me nothing but just maybe an unseen person needed to know they matter.