I had the opportunity to talk to a sweet older gentleman named Bob the past two days. He’s 79, going on 80 in October…and just called me at work to ask a simple question about his voltage regulator on his plane (he still flys!). Let me tell you, this guy LOVES to talk. At first I was slightly annoyed…I won’t lie. I’m at work and have things to do and here is this guy telling me his life story. He kept me on the phone for 30 minutes yesterday!
I got the info he was looking for late in the day yesterday, and I was kind of putting off calling him back this morning because I knew that this would not be a short call. But today I had a change of heart for good ol’ Bob. He is seriously one of the happiest, friendliest people I’ve ever talked to in my life. He was so genuinely happy and optimistic when talking about his family and life that I thought to myself “I really hope I feel as fulfilled and satisfied with my life as Bob does when I’m 79”. It makes you feel good when you talk to people that are so happy to be alive and don’t take anything for granted. Bob really gave my day a good little boost :). If I had to choose between a cup of coffee to start my day, or a conversation with Bob…I’d probably choose Bob.
I think God puts people in your life for just a short while to help you put things into perspective and nudge you in the right direction. Sometimes it’s a conversation with someone sitting next to you on the plane, sometimes it’s the rep on the customer service line. Everyone we come in contact with has a purpose – God knows what he is doing. Sometimes I forget that we are also messengers for God when we are talking to strangers. Maybe we will affect them in some positive way, just like some strangers have that affect us :)
I want to meet Bob. I couldn't agree more. It's so weird you posted this today. Tuesday at Why Catholic, we talked about the differnt forms of time. Nana, who does most of the talking at our meetings, had so much to say about enjoying life and everyday. Since then, no matter how bad I sleep, I try to think super positive on my way to work.
ReplyDeleteI too, want to be like Bob at 79 but I'm not scared..I think we'll be happy as long as we remember to value every day that God has given us. It's kind of strange how my perspective has changed about God and life in the last year.
Thankful :) Hope you have a good day!!