a wink and a nod.

I've been thinking a lot lately about people. About the way people treat each other. The way I treat others. About the way people look at each other- or don't look at each other as they walk down the street. I do a lot of walking down the street these days... and sitting on the bus or the train, and its sometimes very sobering to watch the world around me and realize how much I add to the lack of interaction.
I've been thinking a lot lately about need as well. What are our needs? Food, shelter, water? What about relationships? Do I really need to invest and make friends in the city? Or is it okay to wait until my dearest friends come from near and far and just enjoy the times they are here? What are my needs?
And all this thought about people and needs has me taking in humanity in a different sort of way than I usually do. I offer a smile more often. I try to say hello to those who don't look away from me. I offer my seat on the bus to those who could use it more. I take my headphones out and my nose out of my book and take a good long look at the world around me.
Its wierd, but I think just those simplest acts- smiling at someone as you pass them on the street, talking to the crossing gaurd at the bus stop, giving your seat to the woman with too many bags in her arms... these are the things that set us apart. Its not carrying my bible around everywhere quoting scriptures... instead, living life with joy and love and compassion, KNOWing the bible and not being afraid of truth.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35