The People We Meet

Recently, my son asked if I thought everything happened for a reason. Soda spilling, staining my shirt, and the printer running out of ink - not so much. But people meeting and interacting with each other - yes, I think we're on to something.

People come into our lives for a reason. And each of us has a purpose. A neat example of this can be found in the movie, "Lady in the Water" by M. Night Shyamalan. OK - so he's had a bad rap lately for making some less than memorable films - and some may think this one is not his best. However, it really touches on people coming together and serving a purpose. People who otherwise really have no reason to come together. Shyamalan used to tell this story to his kids at bedtime. It involves several people who live in the same apartment complex. Although the concept is a bit out there - it can really help those of us wrestling with less than perfect colleagues, relatives or aquaintances in our lives. Sometimes there is really more than meets the eye or what can be immediately felt or described.

Maybe your grouchy and gym-fascinated boss might be the "guardian". Or the child who never does her homework and only seems to dream about fairies and butterflies could be the "healer." And your crossword puzzle-obsessed, critical mother could be the "interpreter". The point is maybe we need to try harder to see past the traits we find offending or off-putting in order to see the bigger picture or purpose.

Thank goodness for those who aren't afraid to tackle danger (even if we consider their decisions sometimes rash) - else what would happen when there was a fire or crime? We'd have no books and movies if it weren't for those with incredible imaginations (who probably take hours just to pick out their clothes each morning!). And where would we be without our friends who naturally seem to "get" us and all of our own crazy hang-ups - those we hand-select to be part of our family.

So the next time people are driving you crazy and you can't seem to find a balance, you might check out "Lady in the Water" and daydream for a bit. People do come together for a greater good, even in simple everyday circumstances. It may not always be noticed - but it happens. Here's to paying attention to the little good deeds in our day that matter and have the ability to change the world...one person at a time.