The Umbrella

It was a typical warm Florida afternoon—the sky turned black, and the heavens opened up just as I was leaving the Publix grocery store.

Everyone huddled under the outside roof, manning their grocery carts and checking their watches.

A young man, maybe twenty years old, looked out at the torrential downpour.

He had a small umbrella.

He wasn't using it for himself.

He was walking a woman to her car, holding the umbrella over her head while his own shoulder was getting soaked.

Then he did what I didn’t expect.  He walked back.

And did it again for an elderly gentleman.

And again for a mother with a toddler.

"Why are you doing that?" I asked when he returned, his shirt now clinging to his skin.

"Because I have the umbrella," he said simply.

We often wait for a "title" before we decide to lead.

We wait for a "plan" before we decide to serve.

We wait for "permission" before we decide to care.

This Friday -

• If you have an umbrella, share it with someone else

• If you have the time, give it freely

• If you have the smile, show it off to the world

• If you have hope, extend your hand to another

• If you have the capacity to love, embrace it and those around you

The world doesn't need more spectators, sarcasm, or pessimists saying no one cares anymore.

The world needs more people willing to get a little wet for someone else.

Until Next Friday,

Rob