I was rudely honked and yelled at yesterday because I took the time to talk to a Toll Booth cashier who happened to be an elderly Sikh gentleman.
Yes, we are all busy, or we think we are, or at least hope that we are so that we don't have to deal with the important things that will truly mean something to us after we are gone.
For many months now, I have given my $5.00 to this sweet-faced toll booth operator in San Francisco in his 60's who happens to wear a turban. As usual, I always say Hi, smile, hand him my money and then a say a quick Thank You, even though he does not make eye contact as there are so many cars waiting behind me.
What a job to have, I always think-- day after day, hour after hour, dealing with many grumpy drivers who barely notice him as a human being. And yet, he always seems to be peaceful, calm and with a gentle spirit.
Something I have always made a point of is to make contact with people who work in the service industry and attempt to make them feel respected for the hard jobs that they do, with usually little pay. I have had many of these jobs myself and I know what it is like to feel like a servant or merely as "the help" with no appreciation.
On this day, I looked at him after I paid my toll and instead of driving right through, I told him that I was truly sorry for what happened to the Sikh worshipers at the Wisconsin temple and that I would pray for his family, his friends and his people.
A small tear dropped from his deeply wrinkled face as he put his gloved hands in prayer and I did the same to him with my hands.
He said that no one ever talks to him and that his neighbors have been shunning him ever since the massacre.
After about 20 seconds, a few drivers began honking and swearing at us. I got out of my car and gave them a piece of my mind and then gave the man a high five, which he wasn't quite sure how to do, but managed just fine after one try.
I then got back into my car, drove away and the song "What a Wonderful World" sung my Louis Armstrong came on the radio.
Yes, it can be a wonderful world, it can . . . if we just allow ourselves to be wonderful in it.
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Peace