I walked into a gas station in Austin yesterday to pay for gas. I was greeted by an Indian man who thrust his hand forward as I approached. He smiled and gave me a firm hand shake. I smiled and shook back.
I told him what I wanted, he started to put it through, and then I asked him,”What’s the handshake about?”
He said,”Everyone that comes through that door is my family. No one here is a stranger. I love humanity.”
That sent a lightning bolt straight through my heart. That is my favorite shit in the world. In many ways I couldn’t be more different than this guy. Large, young, white, tattoo covering my arm, etc. yet this guy greeted me like a friend he sees daily.
I want to be the guy that treats others like that, even when I’m at my worst. Even when I’m sad, hurt, and scared. Anyone with me?