What a morning!

As I rushed down the escalators I considered myself lucky because I could see the glow of my train barreling down the tunnel. As is usual early Friday morning, the Metro was sparse. Again, I considered myself lucky for having a seat all to myself.

I had to reassess my good fortune at the next stop when the announcement came “Blah Blah Blah… a passenger was struck by a train at Union Station… Blah Blah Blah… your train will be holding until further notice.” A somber mood swept the train as few of us simply looked down and shook our heads. I said a quick prayer for the lost soul and their family.

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, the train started to move again only to stop at the next station. The dreadful announcement was made again as feelings of empathy were quickly being replaced with anxiety as I imagined all the possible reactions my vice-president would have when I wouldn’t be at my desk for this morning’s conference call. Apparently I wasn’t the only one on the train getting restless as cell phones tested the limits of our underground imprisonment.

Failing to be amused by the irony of having my train brake down on Friday the 13th I began to brood in an angry stew as I questioned “why today?” I spent the next forty-five minutes fuming about how my day (and possibly career and life) was being ruined while the recurring announcement droned on and on. Finally, the train inched to a stop within walking distance to my office.

I quickly left the train, deciding that ten blocks isn’t to much to walk and if I do it quick enough I may be able to turn back time. The swarms of people milling around on K St obviously disagreed with my plans. Infuriated at this point I rushed through the mix of tourists, homeless, and people who just didn’t care as much about their jobs as I do mine.

I was two blocks from my office when it happened. As I bumped and pushed my way through the crowds the simple words “it just makes me feel good” cut through my self obsessed cloud of panic and frustration.

I looked back to see a man in dirty work pants, an old blue T-shirt, and backwards cap crossing the street with a huge bag from McDonalds. I also noticed the homeless man whom I couldn’t even bare to look at earlier with two hot breakfast sandwiches. I watched the man with the bag go to all the benches on New York Ave and offer breakfast to those with no place else to go.

Before I had my first cup of coffee this stranger had already touched the lives of three people, and was on his way to impact at least ten more. He wasn’t doing anything grandiose, glamorous, or even hard; yet, his simple acts were making a real difference. He reminded me not only of how lucky I really am, but also all the opportunities I have to be of service. Today reminded me of how short life is and how easy it is make some else’s day when I’m not consumed with my own petty problems.

The after effects

It’s been a few years now, and I still think about this selfless man who I never even spoke too. His actions have inspired me to not only follow his example, but also serve as a reminder to how I want to live my life.

I think this day had such an impact on me because it symbolized so much of the principles of life itself. When I’m trapped in my train of self obsession, when I’m only thinking about me and what’s going to happen to me then I’m stuck with frustration, anxiety, anger, and I miss the real gift: the opportunity to be of service. When I’ve had those brief moments where I can get outside myself and really think just about how I can help another the benefits have been overwhelming.