The Joyful One

Quick story. As a bike commuter, I tend to ride at about the same time every day on the same exact route. Most days I see a woman heading north on the bike path as I'm heading south. She rides an old-school cruiser type bike with a big basket in the front. What stands out about her is her countenance--the look she has on her face. She is always beaming.

I ran late one day last week. Instead of finding her in the opposite direction, she was heading south, probably turned and headed home. At first, I started to pass her as I like to keep my speed up on the way in and especially that day as I was later than usual. However, after I got about 10 feet past her I had a Holy Spirit moment when I was urged to say something. I slowed way down which allowed her to catch me.

"You know what I call you?" I said, turning to look at her---smiling away. "I call you The Joyful One"

It's true. She tends to be one of the highlights of my ride. Many cyclists don't acknowledge each other (a mystery to me) but she always has a hello. Her joy gives me a couple hundred yard glow because of what pours out of her.

"Thank you!" she replied, "I love being out here."

That was it. No long discussion, no need to linger. I rode on. Now I'm not sure what that did to her--maybe nothing--but it was important to say what was in my heart and I was urged to do it. I've been trying to do that more, if there is a person who makes a difference in small things in wonderful ways, it is worth that quick mention to them. The obvious danger is insincerity but when the motivation is pure and the thought is genuine you can 't lose.

I even did it a week or so ago to a DJ in town when I wrote him on Facebook and said "you are still the best DJ in town." That took a lot---I used to think I was pretty good.