Words of a Stranger

As I was standing next to my car this afternoon pumping gas, I was interrupted by a complete stranger. And I don't think I fully appreciated the comment made in the moment.

I was simply rushing to get my gas and get to a doctor's appointment when a lady from the car next to me walks by and stops and stares. I look over at her and she makes one statement, "You are beautiful". I stare at her for a split second before responding with a simple thank you. I thought, maybe she isn't talking me, I'm the one standing here with a full face rash that makes me look like I'm permanently ready for Halloween. But then she says it again. I was perplexed. How could someone see me right now and think "that's beautiful"? She then makes another statement saying "You have eyes like the ocean". I kept saying thank you trying to decide if I thought she had some sort of mental issues going on.

With a final thank you, and relief that I was finished pumping gas, I hopped into my car and pulled off. I rushed to the doctor, most antsy to figure out what was going on with my face, and didn't give this kind stranger a second thought until I was home later.

Once I took the time to think about it, I began asking some questions: Why was I so put off by this stranger's kind words? Why am I being so vain? Why don't we all just give compliments to strangers when we feel compelled?

It was certainly a humbling experience hearing her words today. It was also encouraging once I let it be. I was more worried about people being put off by the way I looked when the only comment made was by someone complimenting me.

I think this was a lesson in humbleness and thankfulness. We should never be so consumed with our looks. And we should all begin to give compliments when they pop in our head. You never know, maybe that person is having a rough day and your kind words are exactly what they need to hear. So, before we worry about ourselves and what others think, let's realize what we think about others and share.