Each day we have the opportunity to interact and communicate with people. We stop on our way to class to chat with friends, wave ‘hi’ to co-workers and smile at strangers passing by. Every one of these people having a different story to tell that matches with their unique selves.

Sometimes it’s the people we’d never expect to leave a lasting impression on us, the ones who stick out to us when reflecting back on our day, and usually, from my experience, it’s often times strangers that leave an impact on us.

It’s that person you chatted with, which you know you’ll never likely see again yet for some reason you remember them even after time has passed. Maybe it’s because of the way they made you smile when you were having a bad day, or how a simple act of kindness reminded you of the good that is still in this world. These brief interactions whether a quick sharing of words, a wave hello, or seemingly small act, is what makes these moments so memorable.

We’ve all had memorable experiences with strangers often times the ones we tend to remember are the bad moments that leave us frustrated or angry…but what if we tried to remember and appreciate the good moments. The times where that complete stranger left a smile on your face or said something to you that you really needed to hear.

I feel God truly speaks into our lives through others, but are we paying attention? Are we being intentional about looking for the good things in people or are we always on the defense, ready for what bad thing could happen next that we don’t even realize the little blessings of goodness being placed right I front of us through others?

Lately, I’ve been a lot more observant towards those around me and I have been trying to focus on the little joys around me each day and honestly, most of these instances occur through random strangers, people I wouldn’t expect to be the ones to make my day and be so memorable.

One instance I can reflect on happened a little over a week ago and just the thought of thinking back on it has me smiling and laughing to myself. It was a Sunday night and I and a couple of friends were down exploring Casa Grande when we came across this super cute place called LGrande café which actually ended up being an espresso and ice cream shop. We walked in and I was overwhelmed with the smell of vanilla and the warmth of the comfy atmosphere. That wasn’t the only thing I was overwhelmed by though.

We were greeted by one of the most full of life (for 8:30 on a Sunday night) guy I have ever met. His smile literally just left me with the widest grin as he welcomed us in and took our order. The whole time he was making the goofiest remarks and ‘punny’ jokes that left me in tears laughing. Through our conversation at the register, he learned that two of us went to school at GCU and the others at U of A.

He also learned that my friend and one of the guys were dating and awkwardly learned that me and our other friend were not dating… he didn’t even let that moment stop him though from giving me a huge homemade chocolate chip cookie because of his false assumption. Bless his heart!

Throughout the night as we sat and drank our coffee and the shop was filled with laughter and life especially when Tom (we found out that was his name) came to check in on us. He made us continually laugh until our abs ached particularly at the moment where he showed us his Nautica underwear, flirted with his co-owner who was his wife, and kept saying my school's motto “lopes up.”

He gave us free drinks and made sure they were never empty until the moment we left. Though our coffee was drunk and our mugs ran dry by the end of the night, I can truly say my heart was left overflowing by the joy and kindness this complete stranger, Tom, showed us.

Tom hasn’t been the only stranger or passersby that has left me feeling humbled and full of smiles. For there was Melody from Michaels who gave us the 50% off coupon in place of our 20% at check out. Or Timothy from the drug screening place that was so beyond understanding of it being my first time going through this process.

Then there’s the man at the farmers market each week who calls me his best customer, he always knows what vegetables I’ll go straight for, or the size of the bag I wanted and just through these brief interactions. He even remembers minor details which says a lot, for actions truly speak louder than words.

Then there’s Sandra from homeless ministry and that big smile and hug she always gives me as she walks through the lunch line at St. Vincent de Paul’s. Just the honor it is to hold her hand and pray together with her always makes my day despite what else is to come later on.

I could go on and on about the amazing strangers the Lord has placed in my life but the point is just through these brief moments shared, I am taught to appreciate those around me more.

It reminds me and encourages me to reflect this same type of love and kindness to those around me whether I know them or not. So today I encourage you to take it all in and take note of the little joys right in front on you.

“We don't meet anyone by chance.” -Avijeet Das