My Day

Song of The Day: Something Big by Shawn Mendes (AKA my new obsession) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mytLRy32Viw]

It’s funny how a conversation with a total stranger can completely change your outlook on your whole entire day. Every Monday and Wednesday after my Creative Writing class, I go to Turner to eat lunch and sit in there for a few hours because my next class isn’t until 2:30PM. As usual, this place is completely crowded. It’s one of the nicer places on campus to eat, and the food is to die for. After walking in the cold, pouring rain, I reach my destination. I walk into Turner, and there is literally nowhere to sit and the lines are outrageous. I don’t know why, but everything seemed so much more crowded today. I began looking for any familiar face and a place to sit. The way Turner is set up is that there are tables and there are “bar-like” seats. I saw an open seat between these two girls. Me, being the awkward individual I am, asked nicely if anyone was sitting there, and one of the girls said no and smiled. I was so glad because I wouldn’t have to look any further and the seat was next to the crepe place.

I come back with my food and eat. Today had already been stressful because I was dealing with Thanksgiving break troubles and assignments for classes that day, plus it is Monday…and raining. Once part of my struggles were alleviated, I was smiling and a little relieved. Out of nowhere, the girl sitting to my left told me that she liked my water bottle. It’s a cute, blue bottle with multicolored anchors and ropes. I responded by saying thank you, and she told me that I seem like a joyful person. That made me so happy because that is one of my favorite things to hear. I try my best to be optimistic and happy all the time. I was a little surprised that she noticed because I hadn’t said or done anything to her but smile. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate making direct eye contact with people and I begin to fidget with my hands or drink water if I’m in an awkward situation. I also touch my face a lot. I can’t help it. She starts to have a conversation with me, and I was completely nervous because I thought our conversation would end with me saying thank you for her compliment. I learned that her name is Rachel, and she is a senior here. She also is in the same major that I am in. After we finished talking about school related things, she says, “this is a weird question, but do you need prayer for anything?” I was shocked because I was not expecting her to ask that. Before I even noticed, I smiled and said yes. She asked me what I needed prayer for, and I said my biology grade. Biology has been my most difficult class this semester, and I have been extremely stressed about it. She continued and asked if there was anything else I needed prayer for, and without even thinking, I said I needed prayer for travelling safety over Thanksgiving break. Right there in Turner, she prayed with me. In the middle of hundreds of people, she took a little moment out of her schedule and prayed with me. She wasn’t ashamed or embarrassed; she just did it. To be honest, for the first time in a while, I prayed and devoted time to God. I’m not perfect, and I am not ashamed to admit that. I know that I haven’t been doing as I should, but in this single moment, I felt whole.

After having her pray for me, I felt so right. I had a brighter outlook on my entire day. I texted my parents about what had just happened because I’m that girl. This just shows me that no matter what you are doing or where you are, God is there. I don’t even know how this girl knew what I needed or that I was having a hard day, but I am so grateful that she did. It is completely true that the way you carry yourself tells a lot about what kind of person you are. At the end of our conversation, she told me that I made her day a lot better. That is so funny because she did the same to me. I think the world needs more Rachel’s—people who aren’t ashamed of who they are and not afraid to talk to some strange person who is having a difficult day.

I just thought I would share this amazing encounter I had this afternoon. I hope everyone has an amazing Monday, and remember, being open-minded and optimistic can change your outlook on life for the better.

--Summer Elease Lawrence