Letter: Beauty is everywhere if you look for it

By Letter to the Editor on January 30, 2021.

Dear editor,

Though the individuals who inspired this will likely never read these words, they deserve to be recognized and honoured for what they teach.

Summer 2020: A lady and sign on the parking lot corner, saying she’s an experienced house cleaner and will work for grocery money. I read the sign and immediately felt… proud of her. She knows her worth. She’s willing to do honest work. I wished I could have hired her.

Autumn 2020: A man outside a store, singing with his guitar. The songs were happy, the guitar in tune, the technique terrific. I didn’t know if he was busking or begging. He made me feel… like dancing in the parking lot. He knows he has something beautiful to give the world. He didn’t need music to medicate his sorrows; he used it to make the world healthier.

Winter 2020: A man with an old bike, dressed as Santa, waving to shoppers exiting the parking lot. When I saw him, I felt… happy. He’s making someone’s day, and giving kids an early glimpse of Christmas joy. As I left the store, money ready, he was loading his bike, back turned to me, content in what he gave and received. It felt so strange to put that money back into my wallet.

Christmas 2020: A young woman by the store exit. I felt scared for her; she seemed vulnerable. I was whining to God about having to buy my own turkey, when I thought of her, and then apologized to God for complaining. I have a warm home and happy kids to celebrate with. What or who does she have? When I handed her some money and wished her Merry Christmas, she looked me in the eye, and said “thank you!” with so much warmth that for a minute I thought I recognized her. I felt she would be OK. But I would be changed.

Four people, each holding onto hope and giving beauty to their world. They are nobler than their circumstances, and are transforming them with courage. I “helped” only one, but they all benefitted me.

So if you see someone like these four, don’t pass them by without learning from them. They have much to teach, and if you look in their faces, you just might see the face of God.

Chloe Wilkie

Medicine Hat

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