Potential In Each New Day

I was driving home from dinner a few days ago when all of the sudden traffic stopped.  Patience is not one of my strengths when it comes to driving, traffic, and really most things, so I was already poised to lay on the horn.  From what I could see there was no reason for the cars to be stopped.  Until we crept a little further down the road.  At that point I saw police cars, fire-trucks, ambulances, and a few cars on the side of the road.  I also saw a man sitting on the edge of the bridge railing.  It was obvious he was thinking of jumping.  I was only in front of it for a second, but it was enough for me to picture what was happening.  There was a women crying from a few feet away, obviously a loved one.  There were police officers and firemen pleading with the man to come back over the edge.  I was imagining what they were saying to him, “this isn’t the answer,” “there’s another way to solve your problems,” or maybe “I know you’re in pain, but we can help you.”

I am not sure what happened to that man.  In all reality the bridge wasn’t that far above the river.  If he did jump, it might not have even been fatal.  But it was the idea that he desired it to be that replayed in my head.  At first I was just pondering why he would do it.  And then I was sad.  I was sad because at that moment he didn’t realize the possibilities that come with the future.  He wasn’t thinking about the beautiful summer days that Chicago offers.  He wasn’t thinking about the smell of fall or the joy of the holiday season.  He wasn’t thinking about his favorite sports teams or a chapter of a really good book.  He wasn’t thinking of his loved ones or the new job around the corner.  His pain was keeping him from seeing how much potential his life still had.  I have no idea what he was going through.  I admit that I don’t know what pain of that magnitude feels like, and I don’t pretend to, but I do know that I don’t want anyone to feel that way.  I want want people to recognize their potential. And then I was thinking…how many times do I see great potential in my friends lives and not say a word?  How often do I have the ability to encourage my family and just let the opportunity pass by?

I held a newborn baby yesterday.  (No, it is not my child…so all of you ready to start rumors…think again!)  Until you are holding a newborn you forget how small and fragile and innocent they feel.  Holding this baby I was filled with great encouragement.  This baby has all the potential in the world.  For this child the future holds so many possibilities.  She could grow up and have great impact on the world around her. She has the potential to pursue any and all paths.  With encouragement and love she will do great things.

I need to remember to encourage people more.  I want to let people know that they have the potential to change the world.  We need to show people that they make an impact.  People matter.

Comments

One Response to “Potential In Each New Day”

1. Michelle says:

   June 5, 2009 at 12:18 am

   Meghan,

   You are so right. Your post reminded me of a story I just read recently….

   Check it out at http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=3720