Be A Gideon

"Hi!  Hi!  Hi!  Hi!"  My toddler exclaimed just waiting for a reply.

The elderly man looked sad as he pointed to the hole in his throat and mouthed the words, "I can't talk." 

My sweet Gideon looked perplexed for about 2 seconds.  Then he walked over to the man, smiled and returned his wave.  I watched as he connected with his newfound buddy.  He never muttered another word, but instead would point to objects that he wanted the gentleman to see:  fliers with football players on them, the TV with Bubble Guppies on it, his water bottle, his shoes, the man's shoes, etc. The sweet man was so kind to smile and nod and look excited over everything that Gideon was showing him. The more he smiled, the more my Gideon beamed.  Far too soon, we were told our car was finished with its oil change.  As we began to exit the building, Gideon waved good-bye, walked out of the door, then backed up and looked at the man one more time through a glass door.  As the man tapped the door, Gideon held his hand on the other side right up to the man's hand...the only thing in between them was a few inches of glass.  The man looked touched and I grew teary-eyed as the lady behind the counter said through tears, "Well, Mr. Smith*, it looks like you've made a friend for life."  (*I can't actually remember his real last name).

It was a beautiful exchange made possible by a little boy who was willing to put aside how he normally communicates to show empathy with a man whose voice no longer remained.  He didn't ask why he couldn't speak.  He didn't gasp or point or laugh.  He didn't shy away from him.  He just noticed and responded with love.  Maybe it's because he can understand on some level.  Maybe in that man, he saw himself.  Gideon is somewhat behind on his speech skills.  He processes much more than he says, and sometimes he grows so frustrated trying to communicate what it is he wants me to know. And while he didn't know the reason the man was in the position he was in, it didn't matter.  He met him where he was at and together they shared a moment so beautiful that even strangers cried.

We all have stories.  We all have circumstances that have brought us to where we are.  In a society where pointing out differences is at an all time high, can we be a Gideon?  I don't mean the Gideons who make the Bibles.  I'm sure they're great, but I mean can we be like my son, Gideon?  Can we just take the time to meet others where they are at with no questions asked?  Can we love on them? Can we pray for them when they aren't even aware?  Can we put aside our well-meaning advice and just listen if they want us to?   Can we show compassion?  Can we look inside ourselves and find that point of connection with others?

Will you be a Gideon this week for my boy who struggles to say what he needs to with his mouth but speaks volumes through his heart?  Be a Gideon.  It'll make the world a little brighter for all.

"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."