Six Packets of Sugar

There is always that person we encounter that is difficult to like. Try as we might they are irritatingly up in our business, or judgemental, cranky, or know it all's. Or they ignore us, act like we don't exist, cut us out of their lives. They are hard to be around, and I suspect life in general is hard for them. Back up the bus, life in general is hard.

Funny thing is we are those very same people. Not all the time, but some of the time. Because we are human beings, prone to human moments, human error and struggling just to be. The saying we are all half jerk, half jewel comes to mind.

Sometimes we have to look past the our judgements and recognize they struggle just like we do. They hurt just like we do. They are doing the best they can, just like we are. And when we get out of our own way, we find ways to connect with them.

Today, it was the simple act of treating someone to a cup of coffee. Why? Because we recognized their struggle and wanted to acknowledge it in some tiny way. Does a cup of coffee hold that much power? Surprisingly, yes it does. Plus, we learned that this person who always gets a McDonald's black coffee with six sugars in it, would rather have a fancy frappuccino with whipped cream on top. We saw a different side of this person, by offering a cup of compassion. When the opportunity presents itself, recognize the need, reach out in kindness, and know whipped cream trumps six packets of sugar any day. One is more affordable, but the sweetness of the other lasts forever.