Finding Commonality

Standing under the overhang, watching the rain pour down, I contemplated my trip back to my vehicle. On the way into the store my umbrella turned dramatically inside out, never again to turn right side out. I knew I would soon be chilled and wet.

There were several others waiting and contemplating under that overhang. A few of them sort of pushed past me.

I said out loud “I seem to be in everybody’s way today.”

A tall young man standing a few feet away from me turned and said emphatically “You are not in anyone’s way. We are all in this together.”

Before I could say “Thank you”, his ride pulled up and he ran into the rain to catch it. I hope he sees this post, as hours later I am still under his spell.

This reminder of commonality and camaraderie, from a total stranger, touched me deeply. How often do we watch, listen, and consider our fellowship? How often do we reflect upon of our collective fate?

As another of my heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “We may have all come on different SHIPS, but we’re in the same BOAT now.”

We share this lovely blue ball. As Earth flies through space, we cling to it and to each other for such a short time. I pledge to remember and remind others more often that we are indeed in this together.

Will you join me?