Tuesday morning I got a text from my friend Shannon. It said:

I have to tell you my story later. I was being ungrateful today

A little while later, she called me. I am in bed with the crud and feeling pretty inward.

The fever

The cough

The aches and pains

Ugh ……. poor me

Her story starts as she was getting out of her warm bed this morning, extra early because of a sunrise breakfast being put on to honor the employees at Interfaith Emergency Services.

She was grumbling about leaving so dang early

She was mad that it is cold and it’s freaking sunrise

She was frustrated and just a little inward

Shannon was meeting up with another employee at the thrift store so they could drive together. Upon entering the parking lot, she noticed a man sleeping on the porch.

She says to me “I’m sure he’s thinking I’m going to throw him off the porch, because that’s what happens to the homeless when they camp out in front of a business.”

Instead, I walked into the store, I grabbed the warmest coat I could find, some dry socks and some extra things I thought that might keep him warm during this cold snap in Florida.

She continues to talk as we both tear up. “I’m so grateful for a place to work that gives me the opportunity to give people basic needs.”

Shannon’s morning started off inward and a little sad but as she reached outward, saw the needs of others, stepped in with her abilities, her day was profoundly improved.

I am so thankful for friends who want to share their lives with me

It’s not all about the great things

It’s not all about the bad times

It’s about life and how we can be better

Together

How are you looking outward today, this week and as we enter into 2021?

*I was given permission to use names and photos