People Are Not Scenery

I just read a powerful statement in Kelly Willie's new book, With Us; "People are not scenery; they are opportunities".

WOW!  Kelly makes a lot of profound, real statements in her book. But "people are not scenery", hit me right between the eyes!

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People are not scenery
How many times have I been so wrapped up in my own life, I didn't SEE the people around me?  How about you?

Did I REALLY see the homeless man off the Market Street exit? What about the petite shopper trying to reach something off the top shelf?  Or the sad person in the hallway who really needed my smile.  I didn't SEE them; they were scenery in the backdrop of my busy day.

How many times have I been "scenery" for others when I really needed a smile or kind word?

People are opportunities
How many opportunities have I missed to "do until others", provide hope, or reduce stress?

Ultimately, EVERY human interaction is a gift to you.  A growing experience, a new resource, a chance to make a difference...or all three.

As you race through your day today, stop and look around you.  There are probably people.  They are not scenery; they are opportunities.