Chance Encounters

This Panera Bread, like most Panera Breads, was packed with lunchtime eaters, hoping to warm their very chilled bodies. Winter is already making its descent on the northeast, and while its only 45 degrees on the thermometer, the windchill makes it feel like its 38.
So with no table of my own, I took my soup, 1/2 sandwich, and newest Nicholas Sparks book (thanks Sara) to the long table in the middle of the restaurant and sat down. There were two lovebirds at the end, fortunately I was able to swallow the nausea and eat, and one seat down and across from me was a black lady in her mid-fifties, eating alone as well.
I almost started eating, before I stopped, bowed my head, and thanked God for the meal. Sometimes I always don't make it as public, but now-a-days I'm craving God's presence in every facet of my life, and having a hard time finding Him. So I was more than eager to have him join me for lunch. I was 2 pages and half the sandwich into my lunch when I heard her say,
"May I ask you a question?"
I looked up to see the middle-aged lady across from me, looking right at me.
"Sure", I replied, not too friendly, but a little curious.
"What faith are you?" She questioned.
"I'm Christian."
"Well, I didn't mean to be nosy, but I had never seen anyone your age bless their food in public. That's a compliment. I hope my kids do that when they leave the house. It's sure hard to find these days."
"Well, I just need to remind myself where my food comes from, so I bless it. And it starts in the home, that's where I learned it."
"That's right it does."

And that was the extent of our encounter. In Boston, MA.

After I parked the car, I was walking around our building to the front door, and I passed an elderly woman that I've seen before. This time however, our eyes met, and what I saw saddened me. They were very light blue, however aside from the color, that's where the lightness ended. Her eyes were empty and sad. Like all the light of her life had been drained out of her. I smiled a half-smile, I didn't get out the full-toothed grin. I guess living in this cold climate has had an effect on me.
I hope when I'm 75, my eyes are still blue, and full of light.