My mother used to be sure she had her hair fixed and her makeup on whenever she went to the grocery store. She expected to see people there that she knew, and she looked forward to exchanging a quick hug and a greeting. I was my mother’s daughter today.

As I was coming out of one deli/cafe, I got a fun hug from a girlfriend in my church. We see each other a lot on Sunday mornings. Our youngest daughters are the same age. We go WAY back.

When I walked into a local candy store, I was immediately greeted by a former colleague from the last school where I taught. We, too, exchanged hugs then she led me around to the back of the kitchen where the “magic” was happening. While photographing the process, a sweet voice whispered in my ear, “You had the world’s sweetest in-laws.” I looked up to see one of my mother-in-law’s dearest friends, and we shared some fond memories. She works there now, too.

Then, I went into a popular Italian eatery to “do some research” (a.k.a. sample something delicious) for this blog, and there sat more teacher friends from another school where I worked over 20 years ago. More smiles, more happy greetings.

I was so glad I had fixed my hair, put on my makeup and decided to wear my new earrings. I had no idea I would see friends everywhere I went today, but it warmed my heart when it happened.

Each person I encountered today has enriched my life. They were put in my path at the exact time God knew I needed them all along my journey. I’d like to think that in some way they feel the same toward me.

My advice? Put on your lipstick the next time you run errands. Anticipate seeing people you might know. Give those hugs and enjoy the ones you get in return. Unglue your face from your cellphone and really LOOK into the faces of those you pass. After all, life is the sum of our relationships. Wouldn’t you agree? Enjoy those from your past. Form new ones according to the place/life stage you are in right now. Twenty years from now, you’ll smile when you see them coming.

Proverbs 27:9 – “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” 

Psalms 133:1 – ” Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers (and friends) dwell in unity!”

Proverbs 27:17 – ” Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”