everyday miracles

the most random things tug at my heartstrings. take for example at 9:00 pm not too many nights ago, a couple walks in the restaurant where i was having a bowl of steaming pho. one of the staff quickly gives them the sorry news that they've closed. the look on their faces told me that they've tried their luck at the one beside and the one across and probably a few other places before that. yet their eyes mirrored a sadness that far outweighed their dinner situation. i didn't know these two people and i had no idea what they did for a living what they're like or where they're from. they were ordinary middle class citizens like any other, the type you wouldn't give a second glance if you pass them on the street. but on that night for some strange reason, something inside me stirred and i felt a gentle tightness in my chest that threatened to move up my throat and into my tear ducts. i know it sounds silly but for a split-second there i felt it. this sensation that these two strangers were burdened in some way, that the only thing that can provide temporary ease was a place to sit down and a hot meal to tell them that they've made it through the day.

i get these sudden bursts of compassion in the most unexpected moments and for people i haven't even met. it makes me wonder why it is sometimes harder for us to be compassionate to the ones we know. it amazes me how easy it is to see and even understand when we don't let what we know get in the way.