A common saying here in Texas is “if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute”. Truly, you never know what you’re going to get. But on a couple of occasions this week we’ve either broken, or neared, our record high temperatures for January, hitting the mid-80s. The unusual warmth for this time of the year has been nice.
However, while the weather was nice, it was really the warm interactions with people that really lifted my spirit throughout the week. I spent meaningful time with loved ones. There were moments of reconnection with friends and colleagues who offered encouragement, insight, and support. Additionally, there were opportunities to connect with new friends from across the country who welcomed me to share a bit about my personal and leadership journeys. Each of these warm interactions made a profound impact on my week’s outlook.
This past weekend my daughter, Lauren, mentioned she wanted steaks this week. If you know me, you know…when my baby girl asks, pops does. Heck, she’s 21, got a boyfriend, a full time job, and about to start her final semester of college, so any time she wants to spend with dear old dad, I’m on it! And, as if that wasn’t enough, my oldest son, Jordan, and his wife’s calendar were open to come through, as well. Talk about feeling all warm and fuzzy! My Dad heart was full!
In preparation for our dinner I had to make a trip to our neighborhood grocery store. I hurried through the aisles, gathered the needed items, then arrived at the checkout. As I began placing my items on the belt I heard “Hey there, my brother. How are you doing today?”
I didn’t have to look up. I knew that voice. It was Mr. Steve, one of the familiar faces who’s there most every time I go to the store. There he stood with his long, white beard and warm, welcoming smile. I’ve visited this store dozens of times since we moved into our neighborhood back in the summer of 2020 and, without exception, every time I encounter Steve it’s as if I have reunited with a long, lost friend. He stands out and instantly engages:
“You stayin’ out of trouble today?”
“How’s the family doing?”
“You gonna be able to get all that on your own, young man, or you need a little help with that?”
“Brother, I hope you have the most amazing day. Stay safe out there.”
Often these interactions are taking place as he pushes carts back in the store or bags groceries – never too busy to engage with those around him and share a warm, genuine, welcoming word. Steve provides more than a function to customers as they come and go from his store. He provides affirmation and confirmation to them. His words and actions signal “I see you. You matter.” His actions are warm and sincere.
Undeniably, we all know a Mr. Steve – a person we interact with in our local community or on the job on a day-to-day basis. They’re warm, friendly, genuine, and sincere. They’re engaging and magnetic. They see us when we may feel as though we’re just passing through life in an invisible cloak. They notice the small things and make us feel special.
We all hold the power to share that warmth and kindness to others as we navigate our days. Ultimately, it doesn’t cost a thing, but can be so powerful. You just never know when sharing a bit of your warmth may provide shelter for someone who’s in a dark, cold place.
Undoubtedly, there will be days when it feels like you have no warmth to give. But my hope and prayer is that in those moments you’re able to cross paths with a Mr. Steve – someone who’s able to warm and uplift your spirits to help you through.
Warmest of wishes to you this weekend and in the upcoming week!
(Challenge: We all have a Mr. Steve in our lives. This week make a point to simply let them know how much you appreciate the warmth and kindness they share with you and others.)
Love this! With my traveling job, I have hotels, particularly in NYC are, where I spend about 80%of my work year, I have several people just like Mr. Steve. Two of them are chefs for breakfast, at the Hilton Garden, I use alot. Another is a gentleman who is originally from Russia, and he is the waiter. Some of these folks I have known for over 15 years, and they always project warm!
Then there are those I don’t know, and it is a single interaction, especially as I work. My job involves inspecting banks at night, making sure they are meeting standards for people’s safety accessing ATMs after dark. That means I work some really neat places, but also some dangerous areas that would make most people run. But you know what? Yes I have to be careful, and apply my street smarts, because things can get crazy, but every where I go, because I choose to project warmth, I find good people! In the most destitute, underserved areas in our country, there are many good people! Those people are just as ready to share their warmth. And again, you must be cautious in “rough places” but I truly believe that if you look for the good and the potential in every person you meet, you will usually find just that! I have to move at a fast pace, but I do my best to make time to hear the homeless vet’s story, or to take the initial racist comment I get from someone and turn it around, and try to touch that person in a way that lets them know that I am a person just like they are, and that not everyone who doesn’t look like them is out to get them. Hey sometimes it is a fail, and sometimes safety dictates, that it is time to walk away. But the effort to share that warmth, is what matters. We never know, even in a seemingly negative encounter, how we might affect someone, or help them grow. And we have to realize that there are so many people out there, who act the way they do because of their circumstance. No one asks to be born in a seemingly inescapable environment or circumstance. Instead of constantly judging, we need to validate and empower. That means simply following that 11th Commandment, to ” Love one another as I have first Loved you.” If we lead from a place of love, compassion, grace, and acceptance, then that larger goal, which I preach all the time, UNITY, becomes a little less challenging! And what is warmer than those 4 expressions of humanity?
Hope all finds you and the family well. Keep fighting the good fight, my brother!
Thanks so much for sharing this warm, thoughtful look into these meaningful interactions. Wishing you safe travels, love, and light, my brother!