Most days I visit a large shopping centre and I say, “Hello” or “Have a great day” to the shoppers as I pass young, old, couples with a baby in a pram, students, people who appear to be struggling with health issues. Some people ask, “Do I know you?” and I reply that I speak to nice people. I’ve become friendly with the staff in the supermarket. I talk about studies and relationships, having worked with people experiencing broken marriages for many years. I have no agenda or ulterior motives and only want to keep people connected and build a better world. I do it out of love.
Love is reaching out to others without asking anything in return. Love can change anything. It can welcome a stranger, it can comfort the lonely, the grieving, the ill, it can help resolve family conflict, give meaning to life for people struggling with depression or low self-esteem. Love can inspire us to forgive others or ask forgiveness. Those we meet are our brothers and sisters and members of our world family. Reach out and say: “Hello. Have a good day” or “How are you:”
I have been overwhelmed by the warm responses I receive, the handshakes, hugs and beautiful smiles. When people smile, something special happens to me and I’m sure, to them.
Why don’t you try it? Don’t be afraid. Our community needs this, as does our nation and our ailing world as well.
Give people hope and let them know that you care, that you are taking them seriously and you’ll help if you can. It might just be a matter of directing them to an appropriate agency or a community support group.
Notice those who pass you by in the shopping centre or on the streets where you walk. Many look to be carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders with stress written all over their faces. Many people feel marginalized and isolated, grappling with an ever-increasing cost of living, rising rental costs, high food prices to name just a few issues. These people are looking for hope, encouragement and love as they struggle to move forward with their lives.
Listen to people, hear what they are saying and try to be there for them if possible and in any way you can.
Be a messenger of hope. Smile. Say ‘hello.’ Make a difference.
Peter Davine
Roman Catholic
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