Unnoticed Significance
Life December 12th, 2010I’ts funny how life presents itself and the situations you encounter in life. Sometimes you seem to know exactly what’s important or significant in life but then you suddenly start to notice that often its the little things that are really impacting you. I seem to continue to discover these little things, usually without looking and its these little things that usually have the real significance. Whenever these things occur in my life, they seem to really touch a nerve and impact me for a long time. I have one simple example of why this subject just resurfaced for me.
The other night, my wife and I had just sat down to pizza we had ordered. Not so strangely, the doorbell rang, the dogs went nuts and I had to get up to answer the door. Even though I never answer the phone while I’m sitting down to eat (that’s what voice mail is for afterall), I figure if someone is coming to the door, they at least deserve my answering it. Often its someone doing a survey, selling something or fund raising. However, you never know when its going to be a friend, a neighbor or someone really in need. So, up I go to the door, sending the dogs away to check who’s there. I step outside and an older man is standing below the steps bundled up from the cold weather, I greeting him and asked what I could do for him.
He was a very friendly man doing great medical animation, he explained that he noticed ice on my sidewalk and driveway and that he was going to chip it off and clean it up for me if I would spare him a glass a water and whatever I could give him for money. I asked his name and he suddenly got much friendlier, telling me he was sorry for not introducing himself as “Sunny Jim” and he shook my hand. He told me he had lived in this neighborhood for 28 years and that he has been homeless for 22 now. Amazing and shocking! He gave me every assurance he would do the walks, showed me he had his own tools to do it, and explained that he doesn’t beg for money, but he works for it. Weather its window washing, snow shoveling, ice chipping or whatever. He plays music at the local community mall as a service as well for the community to raise a few dollars. I like his attitude on this instead of feeling that its begging, he really cares for this community and is why he still lives here and does his thing. I let him get to work and offered him some pizza when he finished up and told him I would give him some money for doing the work as well. I went back to finish my own pizza and to let Jim work and about 15 minutes later he knocked on the door again.
I saw that he had worked himself short of breath, cleared away much of the ice that had built up and was eager for that glass of water. I gave him some cash, some pizza and a couple extra food items and chatted a bit more with him. I ended up sitting down on our front steps outside with him for a good 15 minutes. He had many stories to tell about people, his memorable points in life, things he has learned and had to deal with living homeless and inspiring stories about people helping him out and offering more than he could ever expect. He told me about a few friends he had made in the neighborhood and I assured him he just made another one.
What struck me the most with Jim, was how bold he was to say whatever he wanted to say. He had no reservation telling me how strong he was for an old guy, how he gets by finding things, making a few bucks and run ins he has had with the police. I could tell he was simply desperate to tell his stories and he was incredibly gracious and appreciative for the little I helped him and more importantly, how thankful he was for what he did have. He credited it all to knowing Jesus and being a Christian which is also why I quickly connected with him and had much to share. I volunteer at a program at my Church called Inn From the Cold that houses homeless people overnight once a month and I’ve always been quite comfortable talking to them, sharing stories and seeing that joy in their eyes to have a hot meal, warm bed and a roof over their heads. Jim took that even farther with having that same appreciation for life, even though he is someone who seems to have so little, in reality he has a lot! He is willing to share, is open and honest and has an obvious appreciation and love for life.
Anyway, for a couple days now I’ve seen Jim in the neighborhood where I tended not to notice him before without knowing his name. I certainly will not take him for granted, will stop to say hi and to share a story or two again with him when we cross paths again. And that is quite likely as I bike to work near where he camps out near the river so it is bound to happen regularly. So, our brief encounter and discussions certainly brings the homeless to the front of my mind in these rough winters here in Calgary and especially as we approach the Christmas season, those with few possessions may have more significance than we know in our life, our communities and in connections and friendships we could build. I certainly don’t want to take people for granted based on how they live and I’m thankful to have seen the significance in this otherwise unnoticed neighbor.
Is there unnoticed significance in your life? Are there people you ignore or pass by who might have a similar significance to you? Maybe it is something unnoticed about your friends, your family or your colleagues. Slow down, sit down with someone and spend that extra time with them to share some stories. You might be surprised how significant it can be. Also, do you have any similar encounters or stories of unnoticed significance you discovered in your life? I’ve love to hear your stories.
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December 14th, 2010 at 9:14 AM
This is so touching, Mike. Sure, the story has been heard in other forms. But knowing your heartfelt account of Jim’s way into your life and attention, it is a pure reminder that there are other things in life. They may not be best, or look gorgeous and at any point materially beneficial to us; but often, they are great reminders of the values we cut off from our lives due to current priorities. A cool, timely Christmas story, Mike. Something I will definitely share to my Mom when I get home. Cheers, Mike! My hellos to Jim!
December 14th, 2010 at 6:52 PM
Thank you Arina! Yes, it is definitely a great reminder and timely reminder about Christmas giving and to be grateful for all we do have. I’m glad to have had and shared that reminder! Happy season, I’m on vacation from work now as well, so that is a big area of gratitude!!!!
December 16th, 2010 at 8:17 AM
A very beautiful and touching story. Jim seems to be the kind of person that is able to find happiness within himself and is also proud enough to earn his keep as much as possible through his own hard work instead of charity like many others. It’s also very big of you to be so helpful in the things you do to help people like Jim out as best you can. Like you said, we must always remember to help those less fortunate than us.
December 16th, 2010 at 3:37 PM
Thanks Komodo, you are right about Jim, a man with a good heart, and a tough life. I only did what anyone should do and spend a few minutes with someone in need. If only everyone would actually choose to do that with those in need, perhaps there would be less isolation and pain in people’s hearts. Thanks for your comments on this story!
December 20th, 2010 at 2:54 PM
Hi Mike.
There is plenty of unnoticed significance around us. I squander much of it along with others.
Your noticing of it here does make sense, and sure did have an impact on that individual’s day, or week.
Long ago I would think I was different from one person or another, but now I see that I run from the same physical/mental framework as all the people in the world. This is also empowering because it reminds us that we can reinvent ourselves as anyone we aim to be.
Also, your material here lets us know that we can help others in a large way by doing something that is not too large to us. We have power when we understand it.