Every morning walk

Every morning I wake up and have my devotions and coffee then go on my morning walk. I have been doing the same routine for three years and haven't missed more than fifteen days. Part of my route goes through our residential area and about a half-mile goes along a trail beside an irrigation ditch.
When I first started this routine I never smiled or talked to a sole for a couple of months. I was pretty much wrapped up in my own troubles and wasn't thinking of anyone else. I would pass at least five to ten people each morning and they acted the same as I was, not caring about anything but themselves at least that's what it seemed like to me.

I was reading a book at that time called "Attitude Is Everything" and it was talking about how important a smile and a simple greeting is and how it can affect a person. At the same time, I was noticing posts on social media to smile and make someone happy today. So I started smiling and saying good morning to those I passed. At first, I would get a quick smile and then after a couple of times, they would say good morning back to me with a smile. I had never realized how good that would make me feel until I started doing it and I am sure it helped brighten their day too.

Several mornings I would walk by this one house and see this old man sitting alone and soaking up the sun and sometimes he would be asleep. One of the mornings he was bent over and almost falling out of his seat so I walked up to him and said good morning I thought you were about to fall out of your chair. He looked up at me and said I must have dozed off for a while. Normally I would have walked right on by but I had a feeling that I should go and say hi to him. He told me he likes watching people walk by but nobody says hi or stops to talk anymore. I learned he was 95 years old and walks around the park every day when it is warm outside. We struck up a friendship and every day when I see him outside I stop and visit for a few minutes.

I used to use my walking time in the mornings for a quiet time and start my day talking to God about my problems and stressors which I still do but it's not just about me anymore. I am learning that when I think of others and I can give a little kindness, caring and some form of love I get a feeling of accomplishment and my troubles aren't as pressing as they were before. Just a little change in my attitude and a smile has been a good thing for me.
Earl Baldwin