Busy Intersection: 10:00 a.m.
“Stay beautiful,” he says. I’m not expecting him to say that to me.
Subconscious Connection
I see him in the distance. The young man is standing on the island at a busy intersection. Soon my car will be next to him. We have done this song and dance before. Yes, he is a regular on this particular street corner near the mall in my city. I look for him when I am driving towards this intersection. He and I have spoken a couple of times before.
Let me describe him. Late twenties, wavy, black, shoulder-length hair, groomed black beard, bright white teeth–with a smile to match, mismatched casual clothing, usually with striped pants and a plaid, cotton shirt. He is holding a tan Chihuahua that has a red kerchief tied around its neck. He is not your usual panhandler. I think he likes meeting people.
The panhandler knows how to approach strangers. He has a winsome and friendly personality. I think most people will give him a donation. Four cars are ahead of mine. Soon we will be side-by-side. My window is down. What will we talk about? I am awkward. My shyness kicks in.
He says a greeting. I ask how it’s going for him. We begin to chat about homelessness. He says the town’s homeless population is nothing compared to the thousands of homeless in Los Angeles. His canine friend is well-behaved and looks at me with an ambivalent gaze. Mr. Panhandler and I connect, human to human, with nothing in common between us. Though a donation is not forthcoming, our conversation continues until a pickup pulls up behind my vehicle. He glances at it and then back to me.
Our conversation is now over. Time to move on to the next opportunity. The young man turns to leave and then he pauses and looks at me. He says, “Stay beautiful.” His blessing enters my happy place. I smile. I can’t help it. It’s such a nice way to conclude our brief exchange. His words offer acceptance, friendship, and approval. It lifts my spirits.
Though it is said as an ending, like in “Take care,” the words, ‘stay beautiful,’ feel, well, nicer, better; and they make me feel beautiful. I like compliments, but this one seems like a statement that is more about personal perception than outward comeliness, about the whole person being appreciated. I know he means them, and I will not forget the spirit of their intent, or him. His friendliness is enjoyed even though he’s panhandling on a street corner.
My friend, for you I say, “Stay beautiful.”
Have a wonderful, God inspired, beautiful and blessed day.
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