Blinders

     I always thought that blinders were one of the meanest things you could do to a horse. I mean, you just make them run without letting them see anything except for what's right in front of them? That's no way to go through life - they are trapped in their own little world.
     But yet, don't we have blinders of our own - blinders that we willingly strap onto ourselves? Think about it. Why don't we get involved in other people's problems, or why don't we see the beauty of Creation? Lately I have been studying the idea of Individualism, and how it has become something so promoted by the world. "Just be yourself, and don't let anyone or anything define you."
     WHAT? Ok, really - does that mean I just don't let anything influence me? I don't build deep enough relationships so that people won't make an impact, because I want to be my own person?!?
     Anyways, someone brought up the piercing fact that we don't even notice people in public places, such as grocery stores. That cut me to the heart because I know it's true in my life. We're just blazing through our little mission list, charging with our heads down and cart wheels screeching as we try to get the chore done as fast as possible. It seems almost comical if you can picture it. Why do we do that? Why do we not even look at the people that we pass in the aisle, and only mumble an acknowledgement to the cashier?
     The pride and selfishness that is so deeply sewn into our hearts has no problem with whipping up a few blinders to keep us in our own little kingdom. And to be honest, it's really easier to just keep to yourself. Engaging others requires effort. But is it really the better thing to do in the end? Nope. Let me tell you a story.
     So the following night after that person made that piercing comment I went - go figure - to Kroger. It probably would have turned out just like any other grocery store dash had I not had that comment stuck in my brain, so I was determined to make it different. I did not come outright and say hello to everyone I saw, but I did smile and acknowledged everyone. My countenance was different than usual when searching for a certain type of cheese. Because of this a man made a comment to me about orange juice. The cashier thought he knew me from somewhere (which was unfortunately not true). And because I noticed everyone in the store, I recognized an old friend from high school, and we were able to talk for a bit. In the end I left Kroger even more happy than I was upon entering it, if that could be possible.
     Moral of the story: don't let the blinders ever be strapped to you. Everywhere there are people begging to be noticed, appreciated, acknowledged, etc. If you put effort into people, you'll be the better off for it. And Kroger's not such a bad place after all. :)