Unconditional Love

Mars · Post by **Mars** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 4:36 pm

Although this story has religious overtones, I hope you will not be offended. It is a story that we can all learn from.

Breakfast at McDonald's . Please read until the end.

This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end! (After the story, there are some very interesting facts!):

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.

The last class I had to take was Sociology.

The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.

Her last project of the term was called "Smile."

The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.

I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway, so, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.

It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.

We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.

I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they hadmoved.

As I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men.

As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was "smiling".

His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.

He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.

The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.

I held my tears as I stood there with them.

The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.

He said, "Coffee is all Miss" because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).

Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes

That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action...

I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.

I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.

He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you."

I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope."

I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope."

We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.

I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand

I turned in "my project" and the instructor read it.

Then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share this?"

I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.

She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.

In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE !.

Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.

Thoughts to ponder:

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

To handle yourself, use your head.

To handle others, use your heart.

Post by **tex** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 5:45 pm

Well shoot, Mars,

You made a tear roll down my cheek, bless your heart.

I have to disagree with the first "thought to ponder", however.

During my lifetime, I have had a few total strangers leave footprints in my heart.

Love,
Wayne

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 8:31 pm

Mars,
I love this story and I'm glad you posted it.

Shirley

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 9:50 pm

A most wonderful story--
thanks for posting it Marg---

luve Barb

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 5:48 am

Mars,

It tis the Buddist way of life and thank you so much for sharing the story.
I agree with Tex that some complete strangers have left footsteps on my soul. Ergo, the people I have met here but never actually in person.

Thanks, Maggie

jenilake · Post by **jenilake** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 9:48 am

Margie,

That is a wonderful story, thanks for sharing it!! I feel so badly for all the homeless people and animals!!!

Love kathyp

Wendy · Post by **Wendy** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 3:31 pm

Yes Mars, it is nice to hear of people being good to others when we live in a world that is so quick to make judgements and quick to lose patience with others. A smile costs nothing, holding a door for the person behind you, giving up your seat to someone who needs it more. There are so many things that we can do that show we still have a heart and think of others and yet can easily be dismissed as nothing. But they do show our humanity, and what we are in our hearts.

But its a good feeling when you do something for someone, even a complete stranger with no thought of ever getting anything in return, it might be that one thing that that person needed to restore his/her faith in mankind. I have had that happen to me, and have tried to do the same for others when I could.

Thanks Mars!

Gentle hugs
Wendy