"What are you doing?" I was totally surprised to hear those words as I was walking down the desolate railroad tracks in Akron today. I had just walked past the bridge and there was this middle-aged woman sitting against the outside wall. I looked at her and she asked me what I was doing. I explained that I am a photographer and I am just walking the tracks taking photos.
"What are you doing here?" I asked her. She looked at me and casually replied "Hiding from my old man," as she clutched her tall can of beer. "I am tired of getting yelled at 8 times per day." She added. I didn't know what to say, so I then asked her if she needs any help. She replied no, but I still talked to her for a few minutes and gave her a little money for food. I looked at her and told her that I am so sorry that life is so bad for her.
Then she arrested me with her words. "Don't be sorry for me. All is okay because of Jesus." She is so correct, and moreover, she had such an upbeat spirit. That lady taught me a lot in that 5 minute encounter. No matter what life throws at us, we can still be happy and have a positive outlook. She permitted me to take a few photos of her and then I left. That is one encounter I will remember as long as I live.
Life is full of challenges. How we fare depends on our attitude. Are our problems big or are they small? That may depend on how big we make them.
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