Today’s guest blogger is my Guideposts colleague, T.J. Barber, who experienced what she calls a “small world moment” in the middle of New York City and at the worst possible time.
Here’s her story…
I was walking home with a friend late one Friday evening when I heard someone call my name.
“T.J.!”
I turned around and found my co-worker, Brooke, a few steps away. What on earth was Brooke doing in my neighborhood, so far from the office? And at the very worst possible moment for an “it’s a small world!” encounter.
I’d just been venting–very loudly–to my friend about how stressed I felt these days. It just seemed like nothing was going my way, on all fronts. To run into someone just as I was unloading was bad. But for that person to be a co-worker? Even worse.
When Brooke caught up with us, she explained that she was on her way back from Lacresha Berry’s play Brown Girl. BlueGrass, which was having a 2-day run just a block from my apartment. Brooke couldn’t stop talking about the play.
“You gotta go see it tomorrow night before it ends,” she said.
“Maybe,” I said. The truth was I really wanted to see Ms. Berry’s production. Just like the main character in the play, I too have roots in Kentucky. A bluegrass brown girl. But I couldn’t justify buying the ticket, not when I was in the midst of a bit of a financial situation.
When I made it home, I got on Twitter and sent a tweet to Brooke. I explained that I had wanted to see Ms. Berry’s play, but “life is getting in the way.” In the tweet, I tagged Ms. Berry’s name and expressed my hope that the show would run at a later date so I could go see it.
To my surprise, a few minutes later, I got a tweet in return from Ms. Berry. She invited me to see her performance on Saturday…for free! I couldn’t believe it. Here I was having a pity party for myself and this stranger comes along and encourages me to keep my head up with her kind gesture.
I saw the show the following night and was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The play connects Ms. Berry’s life with those of prominent African Americans from Kentucky.
One of the songs really struck a chord with me. It stressed that “greatness lives within your soul,” “nothing is impossible” and “hope is powerful.” Just what I needed to reboot my attitude and spirit…and to remember how blessed I am.
I walked out of the performance thankful for that “small world moment” on my worst of days. A chance encounter that left me determined to live out the greatness in my soul.
Have you ever experienced a “small world moment” that led to some pretty big wonder? Share your story below!
