“Ride like the wind, my brother!”
That’s what he shouts every time I approach, pedaling and grinning at his wind-milling arms that urge me on and then suddenly freeze as I pass, as if in salute, pointing onward and upward like the catapult officer on an aircraft carrier.
I must admit, this silly, joyous moment on my way to work is one that I’d like to preserve in amber to share with my grandkids one day.
He is a crossing guard at the local school. Retired, from the looks of his gray-streaked hair, impossible to miss in his neon-yellow vest. I don’t know his name, but I love him. His antics make me chuckle in anticipation even before my pedal-pounding carries my bike up to the crest of the hill and into his view, caught in his irresistible tractor beam of a smile. It’s awesome.
Growing up Mormon, I learned from Alma that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass. My favorite crossing guard proves the principle.
His cost? A few exaggerated gestures, a few extra breaths, a few additional calories wind-milled away. My benefit? A day’s worth of grins and a renewed faith in the human capacity for fun, decency, and connection.
And so I ponder: Who am I urging on with unbridled enthusiasm? Who do I crack up with my oddball antics? What hands do I lift up when they hang down?
I ponder these questions not to stew in the guilt of my failures; rather, I ponder to carefully wipe the scales from my eyes in order to see amazing opportunities right in front of me. Every interaction is a chance to be that guy, to be the irrepressible Crossing Guard to my family, my friends, perhaps even my enemies.
That is real power, if I choose to use it. I can make another’s life better at little cost to myself. I just need to remember, on occasion, to pause, point to the horizon, and give that encouraging shout, “Ride like the wind, my brother!”
I love this. I will start tomorrow. We need more crossing guards.
Ride like you’ve never ridden before!
Awesome.
I really like this, Mike. It’s like you’re pointing out that there’s lots of low-hanging fruit where we could be helping each other out in small, easy ways, but that we frequently don’t take advantage of the opportunity.
This is pretty random, but another example that comes to mind for me is sctaysom, who sometimes blogs at BCC. If you know him on Facebook, he frequently posts weird headlines from the news along with his hilarious (mis-)readings of them, and this always brings a smile to my face, if not outright laughter. I appreciate that he does it.
This is great, Mike. I really appreciate the reminder that small things can be a bright spot in someone’s day. I know that’s true for me. When I’m cranky, for example, and people on the street smile and say hello, I find myself smiling back, and it makes me a little less cranky.