Where’s the love?
While driving to work I pass through some lower-income areas and I see a different world from the world in which I inhabit. The expressions that I see on the faces of people walking down the road show a struggle that does not exist in my life. It is not that there is no struggle in my life, it is just that their struggle is different. Many of the opportunities and luxuries that I enjoy will never present themselves to these people. I make a conscious effort to appreciate these opportunities, but seeing these folks every day makes me humble.
What I noticed this morning was that two people were walking down the sidewalk together, each holding a plastic shopping bag in their hand. I first thought that they were holding each other’s hand, and I took a double-take before realizing that they were not.
I immediately questioned why I did a double-take when it appeared to be a couple happily walking down the road and holding hands. I realize that I did a double-take because this is not something that I normally see.
When I see people holding hands, it warms me up. This shows that people care about each other, and that they have no problem displaying their affection. Why is this almost a thing of the past? Are our lives so preoccupied with our woes that we cannot revel in the comfort of our companions?
I know that I will be sure to reach out and hold my wife’s hand the next time we find ourselves strolling down the street together.