Wednesday, March 19, 2008

The "Rear-View Mirror" Couple

As I slowly progressed through one of the busiest intersections in our community, I noticed the couple in a modest mid-sized sedan that turned the corner and took up position behind my car. There was something irregular about them. Curious, I watched them (in my Rear-View Mirror) as we drove slowly along. It was the most beautiful thing. These mature, and obviously well-ensconced in a long relationship, people were enjoying each others’ company. There was that air of “first-date” engagement in each other that was displayed in a quiet, comfortable, and completely natural way. I was so taken with their extraordinary harmony of inter-relating that I found myself enchanted. When it became evident that we were headed for the same grocery market, I decided to speak to them. As they parked and made their way to the store, I remained in my vehicle in a position that necessitated their passing.

“Please forgive my intrusion, My Friends” I spoke from my car’s window “but I could not help but notice the lovely inter-play between the two of you as you rode together in your car. Your obvious affection for and enjoyment of each other compels me to thank you both for encouraging my heart and making better the world that I live in. Bless you both.” I then returned their smiles and quick expression of thanks while slowly driving away (to reassure them that I did, indeed, respect their right to privacy and security.) I did not see them again until something around a year later.

On that occasion, I, again, looked into my rear-view mirror… and there they were. Now, mind you, there had, in the interim, been myriad faces in the view of that mirror. But these two… these among the certainly hundreds and possibly thousands that I had seen there… stood out like that well-clichéd lighthouse on the shore. And, as before, I could not let the opportunity to let them know that they had touched someone‘s heart pass. So, inasmuch as the traffic light had just turned red, I told my son (my passenger on the occasion... and well-accustomed to Dad's spontaneous expressions) that I would be back directly, and got out. Quickly moving to the driver’s window, I expressed my sentiments and turned to leave… whereupon, I heard the lady exclaim “Oh Dear… it’s the “BEING ME” (the license number that I chose for my vehicle) guy!” It pleased me that they recalled our earlier meeting as we exchanged farewells and I hurried back to my car.

So, what in all of this is of value to you at this reading? A few considerations. First… there are, sadly, so few in our world that share obviously healthy and openly dynamic relationships that they are easily spotted. Secondly… there is hope and encouragement to us all that there is possibility for just such a blessed union. Then, there is the encouragement, that I offer you, to pay attention to your own world… notice… care… involve yourself… speak the message that Life puts in your heart (lest you have one of those frustrating “I wish that I had” moments later.) Encourage! This is something that every one of us can do. And allow yourself to reflect on the You that is projected into that environment effected by you. Is there a joy within you that is obvious to your world? If “yes” I celebrate with you… If “no” you have my heart’s wish that you discover where that joy lies… and claim it!

No sermon here. Just an opportunity to consider. I bid you a day filled with joy and love.

40 comments:

Hilary said...

You're one of those rare gems that shines brightly in a stranger's day. No doubt that couple in the car felt the warmth. It's felt clear across the blogosphere. Your words are magic.

John-Michael said...

Hilary, you are SUCH a bother! [silly grin] Responding to your comments (which lift my spirits to the stratosphere!) is sooo time consuming. I see your name, click to your profile, (and, YES) enlarge the image, and (yet again) [siiigh]. And why do I subject you to this description of the effect of your spirit's projection through your lovely countenance? Because, Dear Hilary, for you not to know that you have blessed and encouraged the spirit of a passing Friend, would simply be inexcusable. So, again, Dear One, I thank you for your part in making my world a better place for me to stumble around in.

NAMASTE

Kissing of the Frogs said...

John-Michael,
What a tender story...I love how you appreciate life's purest gestures, and I am touched that you reached out as usual to let them know what a rare blessing their union really is. I can see how much that can add value and happiness to one who reaches out, and I'm learning from your examples of genuine affection toward life. You my friend are a gift. Wishing you a happy day!
Hugs,
Rose

John-Michael said...

Dearest Rosehow glorious it is to "exchange gifts" with You! For You, My Darling Friend, are a constance gift to this place that is my personal world. And your recognition of the beauty that is ours just for our acceptance of a "genuine affection toward life" is filled with wonderful promise for many happy moments in your future.

I love You! ((HUGS back atcha))

Anonymous said...

I bet deep down inside that the couple loved the affirmation that they were "doing it right." So many of us are going out on a limb when we are working in our marriage. We hope we are doing the right things so when someone comes along and confirms it, it makes our hearts leap. :)

(and thanks for doing that for kevin and I)

John-Michael said...

You, My Dear FXSmom and your 'Kevin' are an illuminating blessing that pierces the gloom of a world darkened by a sad lack of care and involvement. I love you guys (doncha know!)

Crystal said...

LOL! I do this too! If I see something that touches my heart, I just HAVE to tell that person! Good to know that there are others out there like that too:) Normally, these days, people don't take the time to look. Through experience, it has taught me to look AT life and the only way to do that is to SEE it. Good post today!!

John-Michael said...

We, You, Crystal, Others who are joining in 'The Dance' of Life, and I, can do this "making ours a better world" thing together! You just watch ...you just wait ... you sill see! Love has changing and sustaining Power.

I love You.

Cath said...

Hi JDM!

Lovely post. I sometimes do that too. Much to the chagrin of whoever is with me but they get used to it! Sometimes I watch and let be - the moment is too private, too perfect to disturb.

I have been communing with nature today in my garden and it has been magical! Then I come in and read some encouragement from you. More magic. :0)

Love you!

John-Michael said...

Hello there, My Precious CD, I am smiling at your "to the chagrin of whoever is with me" because it recalls all of those "rolling of the eyes" moments with my 'youngest.' How she did tire of Me! Oh well!

Now let's see those photos of the garden (YES, NOW, so we can enjoy it, coming from 'now' into bloom, with You.)

I love You, CD!

Suldog said...

They no doubt found you a joy and something to treasure, just as you found them. Very nice.

John-Michael said...

WOW! Jim my SulDog Friend ... I had never considered my role in those happenings as anything other than that of "Messenger." Such a kind offering for you to give me to consider! See there! Yet another demonstration of why I love you, My Friend.

Jules~ said...

I agree with Suldog. I bet they talked about you, refered to you, and shared with each other many times about the special encounter. I enjoy watching people as they go thru their days.

I had a "should have" moment yesterday. A silly little thing. My youngest and I were at the grocery store talking across the isle while loading the cart and I am a reference saying "that is odd" in comment to something we were sharing. At the precise moment I said that, a woman walked in between us and thru us. She looked at me, blushed, and half smiled in an apologetic way. I didn't think anything about it and kept talking to my daughter, but I found the woman looking back at me a couple of times.
Only after she left the idle did I realize that she must have thought my comment was directed towards her.
I wanted to fix it and let her know the situation, but I did nothing about it. I figured it was just a small thing and no big deal. you are over reacting girl.
After leaving the store though, I realised that what was small to me may have been horridly big to her. Every person's perspective in important.
Now look, you wrote about a beautiful thing and I rambled on about the opposite.

John-Michael said...

You know what Jules~, I am sure that you did the right thing yesterday. Many are the times when I have an 'impulse' to speak or do ... and there is a hesitation. That Muse ('Holy Spirit', 'inner voice', 'voice of Life', whatever you call that whisper in your soul) says "good intention ... bad time." And I readily walk away ... knowing that the heart of that person was not prepared to receive what I had the compulsion to give.

You were prudent in 'listening' to your Self and responding appropriately. For, My Precious, the best of things delivered at the worst of times is NEVER good.

I love you, Jules~.

San said...

Great advice that is: don't put yourself in the position of looking back at a bunch of "I wish I had" moments.

tanya m said...

so nice to experience true enjoyment of two people.

John-Michael said...

Nothing more unsatisfying than those "I wish I had" moments ... I'm with you on that one San.

Sam Fox said...

What an uplifting retelling, JM. And you're so right about those type of relationships being so rare - sadly a lot of couples these days give the impression of tolerance, at best!

John-Michael said...

So nice, indeed, tati.

(and nice to hear your "voice")

John-Michael said...

And here I was ... hoping that the reverse might be true in the great "Down Under", Cowgirl. [sigh!][warm smile] So kind of you to spend a moment and make my day richer. Thank you!

Medic61 said...

What a lovely post! Thank you for sharing this.
Also, thank you for your kind words on my blog; it truly made my day.

stephanie said...

I love the serendipity in this. Kinda like, but far more significant and meaningful, my grocery store guy sightings. :)

I try to tell my students when their work or comments or attitudes brighten my day; it makes a visual difference!

You're a delight to the world, sir. (And thanks so much for adding me to your blogroll! That is special indeed).

John-Michael said...

I am glad that you enjoyed my thoughts. And you are quite welcome, Medic 61

John-Michael said...

You, My Dear stephanie, have brightened a number of my days with your generous sharing of your Self. I always look forward to reading your work.

skinnylittleblonde said...

Lol...that is great! Perhaps it was fate re-asserting itself, reassuring you (and now us) that passing moments can last a lifetime in our mind & hearts and that the circle never goes unbroken...what a magical feeling all of you must have had!

david mcmahon said...

I'm so glad you spoke to them the first time and recognised them the second time!

And thank you for the amazing way you have listed me, too!

Maggie May said...

That is amazing!
Fancy seeing them all that time ago & then recognizing them the second time round.
And .... having the courage to go & chat to them! Well, as you say, it is good to spread a little happiness around & it is a pity there are not more people who do that!
Will try today!

John-Michael said...

Oh Maggie May! Can you hear my heart's "applause!" "applause!" To know that one more of us is agreed and "Will try today!" is the absolute best ever! Thank you, Dear One.

John-Michael said...

My Dear skinnylittleblonde, it is those moments in my life, that encourage, validate, and make fun my daily living. I am so pleased that yo find something of worth to you in my sharing of it.

I love you.

John-Michael said...

I do, indeed, enjoy Life's unexpected and completely delightful gifts, David. I does make living something of an adventure.

And, I can hardly thank you adequately for your 'pointing the way' in your meaningful contributions to my growth in this current enterprise.

lime said...

here from david's.

what you beheld is indeed such a rare and beautiful thing. thanks for the gentle encouragement to notice such things and then to remark on them in an encouraging manner.

John-Michael said...

And my "Thank you" to you Lime, for your gift of encouraging me.

NAMASTE

Don Mills Diva said...

I love this post John-Michael. It really speaks to the importance of reaching out and letting people know when they've impacted you in a positive manner. Bravo for you.

John-Michael said...

I must admit to enjoying my full participation in life's little 'windows of opportunity,' my Dear Don Mills [in no way a] Diva. [smile]

Shrinky said...

It was rare to see my mother and father in law together without their holding hands. They were married together for 55 years - each morning they greeted each other with a kiss, and they never went to bed on an arguement (although they frequently enjoyed a good bicker).

They raised their two sons well. (Wink)

John-Michael said...

Shrinky, you have just drawn a picture of my soul's yearning. And to know that your Love rests in the bosom of such a Love gives me a sense of joy and gladness.

For, you see, I love you, and you being happy and cared for blesses my heart. Thank you , so much, for sharing that with me.

Rob Windstrel Watson said...

You remind me of a similar sighting I once had in Bournemouth, UK, which then became the subject of one of my first short stories.

Years and many stories later, the memory of my couple in the rear view mirror (who I suspect had a rather different relationship to your couple) is still special to me.

A great topic for a post :-)

John-Michael said...

Glad to stir some "in common" memories Rob. Having something in common with a man who I appreciate is a good thing!

Amy Y said...

What a great story! I would have found hope and inspiration in witnessing that couple too... after all the ones around me that are divorcing or having affairs... it's so nice to know that true love still exists. Thanks for sharing it!

John-Michael said...

When I see it, Amy, it is impossible to not recognize it.

The encouragement and just plain fun of being around vibrant Love, is a blessing!

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