I see him two or three mornings a week, always at about the same time and at the same place. He wears navy blue shorts and a blue plaid shirt, and occasionally pulls a cap over his military-cropped hair. Often I pass by him twice on my run – once on my way out as I lumber toward the halfway point, and once on my way back as I labor toward home.
His greeting is always the same: a big wave, arm held out as if he might offer a high-five, and a generous, eye-crinkling smile. If I pass him on my return trip, I get the wave, the smile and a hearty, “Have a good one!”
It’s been ten years since I first began to recognize the man on the trail, and his response has never been anything other than genuine, unwavering cheerfulness, week in and week out…and not only to me. The man on the path greets every person he sees the same way: with kindness and joy.
I don’t know a thing about this man in the navy blue shorts and plaid shirt. I don’t know where he lives or what he does for work or if he’s retired. I don’t even know his name. I’ve never stopped to converse with him. There is simply the wave, the smile and those same four words as we continue on in opposite directions.
I’ve passed a lot of runners, walkers, bikers and roller bladers in my ten years jogging on the trail. Some say hello, some smile, some look at their feet or ten yards into the distance without so much as a glance in my direction. You wouldn’t think it would make any difference, would you — whether someone says hello or smiles or not? But it does. It’s more than enough to impact my mood and often, my whole day.
The man on the path has only ever spoken four words to me. But within those four seemingly mundane words is a powerful life lesson: A simple kindness can bestow lasting blessings.
Ten years of running … impressive.
And a kind soul to cheer you on … perfect.
Fondly,
Glenda
It's interesting that in a world of people who don't pay attention to people, to humanity, one man on one trail gets it. He just gets it:)
I love the simplicity of this…just a wave and a hello…my I be more engaged in the world around me…thanks and blessings to you~
OK. So maybe this wrecks it, but I am so hoping you two will chat sometime soon. And then I want you to write about that. I'm so nosy. (And apparently a bit demanding.) … I'm guessing you offer the same smile and kindness, Michelle. That's who you are. Loved this! So glad you shared with us in community today.
Sometimes it's the simple things that leave the biggest impression.
~ Wendy
Well, usually I'm heaving and huffing so violently down that trail that the best I can do is smile and, on a good day, wave. If we conversed, I'd be bent over with my hands on my knees trying to catch my breath the whole time!
The running keeps me sane (at least partially!) – and the man on the trail gives me a bit of spring in my step!
when we moved to NC, I was a bit taken back by all the people alongside the road and passing in their cars who waved to me. I kept thinking they must know me. Then I realized, its the culture, its what people do in the south. They wave, smile, say hello to you like they've known you for years. Now get them in a small group, a whole nother story, but love the hospitality.
Isn't that the truth?! Thanks, Wendy, for stopping by. xxoo!
I know it – it IS so simple…but yet it has such a major impact on me. Really got me thinking about what little things I can do throughout my day to bless someone else…even a stranger.
He does get it! XXOO and happy day to you, Leigh!
So true…those little acts of kindness go a long way…peace and blessings to you, Michelle 🙂
What a lovely small piece, perfect at the start of a hectic day, Michelle. Thank you.
Michelle, so eloquently stated. And why we miss, why I miss the chance to say a simple kind word. I am in the South, raised in the South, and know this warm part of our culture. I should never forget, not ever to pass a kind word. And your words are gentle conviction to me today….to always remember and never forget. Thank you for this…truly, friend.
I enjoyed this immensely! Every little thing truly does make a difference. God help us believe. Blessings out sweet sister… Amy
Apparently, I am running on the wrong trail. I don't ever see that man! I've seen and been each of those people on the trail. More often than not, I'm the one staring ahead, wondering when a mile got to be so long. The ones who smile make all the difference.
I love this Michelle! It gives me pause to reflect on my own behaviors!
oh friend yes. i am learning this the hard way… because i am so shy, i often tilt my head instead of looking in the eyes. but how many chances have i missed, in doing so? to be/see Christ? love you…
🙂
I have trouble making eye contact, too – I have to consciously think about it when I am talking to someone.
I know, me too, Mary – he is a good role model for me!
I know, I know – I am typically a grouchy runner. Now I make an effort to smile at others passing by…but I get mad when they don't smile back!
Thank you, Amy – and yes, yes, God help us believe. Amen!
Nebraskans are typically a warm people – I noticed that right away when I moved here (I am originally from New England – much more reserved there!).
Looking forward to seeing you in just a few short hours. Travel safely…
I LOVE the driving wave – we get that out here on the country roads, and it always makes me smile.
Peace and blessings to you, lovely lady!
Thank you for this! Each morning when taking my son to school we pass an older man jogging and he always actually looks up at us as we drive pass. I hesitated from waving the first week due to the usual doubts of if it was appropriate or not. But the second week I waved just a little and saw him grin. I now wave every day and he waves back. It's a nice way to start the day and my son and I look for him each morning on our little drive.
oh how i want to be the man on the trail
for the people in my path
….thanks for this sweet inspire:)
-Jennifer
In the small town of Paradise, CA, I was shown the kindness of strangers as they waved at me and said “hello.” It seems the smaller the town, the more friendly people are. There are no strangers, just people we haven’t yet made an acquaintance. In the big metropolitan town I live in, people look through me as if I’m invisible. The kindness of strangers who wave and wish me well leaves me with a uplifted attitude and a spring in my step.