An Angel Named Amal

Every now and then you read an incredible story about an incident in which someone witnesses or experiences something that can only be called truly miraculous and whether or not you believe in the supernatural, these stories tend to resonate inside each of us as our beliefs are confirmed or our hopes revived, or our interest piqued. However, everyday interactions that will never make the cover of the cover of the New York Times or get 100 million views on YouTube are just as special and unique because of the ways that they impact a single individual’s life for the better. I had just such an interaction today. Two weeks ago I made a life change in moving to the city of Boston to begin my graduate studies at Boston University. Over the past 14 days I have experienced a variety of emotions as I strive to adjust to my new environment which is fascinating and terrifying in every way. On a short excursion out, I visited a store and, as most Bostonians do, I was walking back to my new home with my large bags somewhat awkwardly clutched in my hands and under my arm. Momentarily frustrated with my slow progress, I stopped on the sidewalk to readjust my grip on a bag and I was approached my a man who asked where I was going. I replied that I was returning to Boston University and his following statement was “I can walk one block with you.” With that, he proffered a hand to relieve my of the ungainly bag and we began walking in the same direction. At that moment a serious of thoughts crossed my mind including “This man is about to steal my brand new pillows and I’ll never see them again” and “My mother would be so vexed right now. How could I be accepting ‘help’ from a total stranger” but gradually the gentleman’s easy conversation and pleasant demeanor set me at ease. We continued strolling for a time and conversed casually about what I was doing in Boston and, after learning I was from Arkansas, he jokingly asked where I planned to find grits. I assured him not everyone from the south ate grits and that we southerners had our own stereotypes about northern folk as well. After a short time, we reached his destination and he handed my bag back to me. “This is my daughter’s shop” he said. “Thank you” I said. He left. I went on my way. Perhaps you have read this and thought that this occasion was remarkably uninspiring but let me attempt to convince you otherwise. What is life other than a journey. A journey often filled with difficulties and challenges and at times we find ourselves weighed down with more baggage than we can handle. At those times, what greater joy is there than when a fellow traveler comes along and offers a helping hand to ease our burden and help us bear our load. What greater show of love and kindness is there than to look beyond the woes or the joys of our own life journey and reach out to those who are struggling and lend our strength and knowledge to aid them along the way. And when our paths split and it is time to go our separate ways, what greater affirmation of the good that exists in the world than reciprocation the kindness we have received to others. As Amal and I parted ways and I reclaimed transportation of my bags, the weight on my arms was the same but the lightness I felt in my spirit carried me all the way to the end of my road.