{"id":6958,"date":"2016-08-01T06:40:55","date_gmt":"2016-08-01T12:40:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/?p=6958"},"modified":"2016-08-09T06:19:38","modified_gmt":"2016-08-09T12:19:38","slug":"how-to-quench-a-thirsty-soul-in-fewer-steps-than-expected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/2016\/08\/01\/how-to-quench-a-thirsty-soul-in-fewer-steps-than-expected\/","title":{"rendered":"Easy Relief for Hard Times & Thirsty Souls"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"DSC_0325\"<\/a>\u201cWhat you need, I need too
\n<\/em>What you are, I am too
\n<\/em>'cause we're all the same
\n<\/em>under a different name<\/em>.\u201d
\n<\/em>-Ingrid Michaelson <\/em><\/p>\n

Throughout the month of July, I took a break from writing and posting online. I took the opportunity to relish the joy of finishing my third book<\/a>, spend time with my family, and find loving homes for the six kittens we'd fostered<\/a> in June. I must admit, it felt like an odd time to be quiet when so much turmoil, tragedy, conflict, and discord were happening in the world. It felt like an odd time to be quiet when there was much to be vocal about. Although I was not posting, many people were. Reading the latest news reports and passionately expressed opinions wasn\u2019t always easy, but I did it. My belief is that when we are divided and conflicted, listening is critical. So I listened in an effort to gather information, perspective, and understanding. After listening, I found it necessary to put on my walking shoes. Walking has always been therapeutic for me, offering clarity and hope with each step I take. It\u2019s where I do my best thinking and words fill the pocket-sized notebooks I carry with me.<\/p>\n

My younger daughter\u2019s swim practice gave me ample opportunity to walk each day. It lasted an hour and half. The only downside was it occurred at 2:15pm\u2014the hottest part of the day. But the blank pages in my July writing notebook served as great motivation despite the near 100-degree temps. I\u2019d been doing a lot of listening and thinking, but not a lot of writing. It was difficult to put into words what I was feeling in my heart. I worried I wouldn\u2019t have any words to bring back to you. So I lathered up my exposed areas with sunscreen, threw on a ball cap, and walked by faith, hoping words would come as I wore down the soles of my shoes.<\/p>\n

During one especially hot afternoon walk, I kept thinking about something a friend suggested to cultivate more peace and understanding within our society. She\u2019d said something like: \u201cLook for those who are different from you and connect with them in some way.\u201d<\/p>\n

That\u2019s when I saw him\u2014he was working in the flowerbeds at the entrance of a neighborhood. He might have looked more fitting in a professional football uniform or in secret service attire. With shoulders of a linebacker, his orange landscaping shirt was stretched to capacity and soaked with sweat. At that moment, the massive man paused over the red zinnias to wipe his brow. I knew the feeling. I\u2019d run out of dry cloth on my tank top to wipe my face. This gave me an idea.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

My daughter\u2019s swim center wasn\u2019t far away, and it sold cold drinks in the vending machine. I ran back and bought two Powerades. I walked briskly back to the weary gardener, hoping he would still be there. Despite feeling a little nervous and unsure about what to say, I forged ahead.<\/p>\n

As the man saw me approach, he looked a bit worried. I raised the drinks up and smiled brightly to appease any confusion. This is what came out of my mouth: \u201cI was thirsty, so I thought you might be too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Image\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The man\u2019s entire face broke into the most beautiful smile. \u201cYes! Yes! I am very thirsty,\u201d he said enthusiastically. \u201cThank you! Thank you so much,\u201d he said as he reached for one of the bottles.<\/p>\n

Behind mirrored sunglasses, my eyes filled with tears. I wasn\u2019t expecting his joy to be so big. It was tangible. I held on to it for a moment as the two of us stood there smiling at each other.<\/p>\n

We couldn\u2019t be more different, this man and I, but we are both thirsty. Yes, we are both thirsty. It feels good to quench that thirst. <\/em>I thought to myself.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you so much,\u201d the smiling man said once again as I turned to go.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you<\/em> for making the world beautiful,\u201d I said pointing to the flowers.<\/p>\n

I returned to the swim center to retrieve my daughter. I felt more optimistic than I had in weeks. I went to the vending machine again and purchased a bottle of Powerade for her. I\u2019d never done that. Water is what we use to hydrate.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d I said when she came through the door, red-faced and breathless from practice. \u201cThis is for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d she said beaming, unable to hide her delight. \u201cWhat\u2019s the occasion?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll show you,\u201d I said as we walked through the parking lot. \u201cSee that man working so hard down there in the flower bed? He looked so hot and tired when I walked by. I bought one for him. He was so happy and grateful. It made me so happy and grateful too.\u201d<\/p>\n

My daughter looked up at me and smiled. \u201cThat was so nice, Mama.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019m going to buy more cold drinks,\u201d I thought out loud. \u201cSo when I walk, I can hand them to people who look thirsty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a good idea! I will look for thirsty people too, Mama,\u201d she said. As we drove home, she spotted seven. I saw them too. They looked thirsty as they waited for the bus in the blistering sun \u2026 as they took their children\u2019s hand to cross a busy intersection \u2026 as they repaired severed power lines and gaping holes in the road. Not one of them was smiling. Most looked stressed and worried. I had some work to do, I decided.<\/p>\n

I bought a pack of Powerade. I put it in the fridge and considered the best way to go about distribution. Carrying the drinks in a backpack didn\u2019t seem ideal, but when I tried other bags, it felt awkward. I figured the backpack would be quite heavy since I\u2019d have to include ice packs to keep the drinks cold. I estimated it might take over an hour to find people as I walked. But despite the drawbacks, this idea felt right. This concrete act of love felt far better than any words I could merely write\u00a0or speak.<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0206\"<\/a>\u201cI\u2019m going on a long walk,\u201d I hollered out to my husband from the kitchen one humid\u00a0July morning. Temperatures were already in the 90\u2019s and it was only 10am.<\/p>\n

My husband came downstairs\u00a0and immediately noticed the cooler. \u201cWhat are you doing with that?\u201d he asked skeptically. I immediately wished I\u2019d gotten it to the car sooner.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am doing a kindness project,\u201d I replied to my overly protective spouse, knowing the less I said the better.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not going to approach strangers are you?\u201d asked the guy who knows me far too well.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to do anything unsafe,\u201d I said lifting the heavy cooler and grabbing the empty backpack.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s dangerous people out there, Rachel,\u201d he cautioned\u00a0as I walked out the door.<\/p>\n

Yes, but there\u2019s good ones too<\/em>. I thought to myself. And thirsty ones \u2026 lots and lots of thirsty ones \u2026 and I won\u2019t let fear stop me from loving them.<\/em><\/p>\n

I could understand why my husband said that last comment. He\u2019d been watching the news every single night and listening to politicians speak. And some days I might have been there with him, afraid to walk up to people I didn't know. But I\u2019d made a decision. I refused to let fear dictate my actions. I would let love lead me.<\/p>\n

After parking at the swim center, I loaded up the backpack. I expected six bottles of Powerade and two ice packs to be quite heavy, only adding to the oppressiveness in the air. But as I pulled up\u00a0the straps, I received the most refreshing feeling. The ice pack rested against my back, cooling my body instantly. I could walk for miles like this.<\/em> I thought to myself optimistically.<\/p>\n

\"Image<\/a>\"DSC_0199\"<\/a>I immediately spotted two teenagers approaching the bridge where a homeless man had been sleeping in the shade two weeks ago. With my backpack full, I carried two bottles in my hands. They felt cool and refreshing. The young men were speaking to each other in a language unfamiliar to me. I noticed the backs of their t-shirts were spotted with sweat. Perhaps they\u2019d been walking awhile.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey guys!\u201d I called out. \u201cI\u2019m spreading kindness today by giving out cold drinks!\u201d I said feeling satisfied with the unprepared wording that came from my mouth. This heart-led mission was a bit hard to explain.<\/p>\n

Initially, the guys looked unsure. One young man pushed his glasses up on his nose and said, \u201cWow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are thirsty, they\u2019re all yours. The bottles still have their seals; would you like them?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n

They looked at each other and then back at me with broad smiles. \u201cYes. We are very thirsty,\u201d one said politely. \u201cThank you. Have a nice day,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep on smiling!\u201d I said in response.<\/p>\n

We couldn\u2019t be more different, these teenagers and I. But we are both thirsty. And it feels good to quench that thirst. <\/em>I thought to myself.<\/p>\n

I walked over the bridge and headed to the shopping plaza\u00a0across the street. I was drawn to the wide-open doors of a dry cleaner. It didn\u2019t seem possible, but the air pouring out of the shop was hotter than the outside temperature. I peeked in and saw three elderly women busily working. I unzipped my backpack and walked inside. I set the drinks on the counter and offered them refreshment.<\/p>\n

The language barrier caused confusion at first. I could see it in their faces.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you thirsty?\u201d I asked. The woman at the cash register nodded timidly. \u201cThese are for you if you would like them,\u201d I smiled.<\/p>\n

She looked at the cash register and then back at me, as if to say, \u201cWhat is the cost?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo cost,\u201d I smiled. \u201cPlease enjoy. Thank you for working so hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her hard, unsmiling face transformed in front of my eyes. This woman, whose sad eyes and arthritic hands revealed much, had the most beautiful smile. I wondered how many people had ever seen it. I felt blessed to witness it. She covered her boney hand with mine. \u201cThank you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

We couldn\u2019t be anymore different, this elderly woman and I, but we are both thirsty. It feels good to quench that thirst. <\/em>I thought to myself.<\/p>\n

I walked on with just one Powerade left. I wondered what thirsty person might cross my path. I quickly noticed a jogger running toward me. We had the same color of skin and her hair was in a ponytail just like mine. We might have even been wearing the same Old Navy workout clothes. We couldn\u2019t have been more alike, but I stopped and dug into my backpack anyway. As she was about to run past, I held out the bottle.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you thirsty?\u201d I asked with a smile. \u201cI\u2019m passing out cold drinks today to spread kindness.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stopped, removed her earphones, and offered me a gracious smile. \u201cOh my goodness. Thank you. It\u2019s so hot! This is perfect. Thank you for your kindness.\u201d As she reached for the bottle she unexpectedly admitted, \u201cI\u2019ve been feeling really hopeless lately.\u201d<\/p>\n

We are oddly similar, this woman and I. And although my aim\u00a0is to connect with those who are different from me, this woman\u00a0is thirsty too. She is thirsty, just like me, and all the others that came before her. It feels so good to quench that thirst and offer a sense of hope to her hopeless heart. <\/em><\/p>\n

\"DSC_0331\"<\/a>It\u2019s small, so very small, this heat relief mission I\u2019m doing by foot. But it\u2019s made me more aware. Even when I am not lugging bottles in a backpack, I am still looking. I am looking for those who are different from me, but thirsty like me\u2014thirsty for kindness, acceptance, love, and hope. When I see them, I give them a welcoming smile, my thanks for working so hard, or a look of understanding as they navigate life. I\u2019ve been asking, \u201cHow\u2019s your day going?\u201d I am amazed at the surprised look on their face. It seems no one\u2019s cared to ask in awhile. I am sorry I didn\u2019t take the time before.<\/p>\n

My friends, I am still listening and thinking and struggling for words to use in this difficult time for our country\u2014but action, one loving action, was far easier than anything I could ever have imagined. In fact, it was too easy. <\/em><\/p>\n

It was too easy to find people who are thirsty.<\/p>\n

It was too easy to make them smile in real, genuine, soul-building ways.<\/p>\n

It was too easy to counteract an act of unkindness with an act of goodness.<\/p>\n

It was too easy to express love and acceptance.<\/p>\n

It was too easy to say, \u201cI care about you,\u201d without saying a word.<\/p>\n

It was too easy for two strangers\u00a0to see each other in a whole\u00a0new light.<\/p>\n

It was too easy to bridge the gap.<\/p>\n

It was too easy to bring hope to a hopeless situation.<\/p>\n

My friends, if you\u2019re thirsty, chances are, he is thirsty too; she is thirsty too\u2014thirsty for relief, peace, connection, and understanding. But we\u2019ll never know our shared thirst unless we offer to quench it through loving action.<\/p>\n

I have another package of drinks chilling in the fridge. I\u2019ll be hitting the pavement soon. Temperatures are expected to soar in the month ahead; thirst is imminent. But I am ready. My ball cap bears no sports emblem, no college logo, no clever saying\u2014just a heart. I am on Team Love<\/em>, going as far as my feet will take me to offer relief to parched souls. Walk beside me, will you? The load is lighter when we carry it together. We\u2019ll let love do the talking. I\u2019m certain it will lead us to a better place.<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0289\"
\n<\/a>****************************************************<\/p>\n

Friends, thank you for the grace and understanding as I stepped away from the blog and Hands Free Revolution Facebook page<\/a> during the month of July. It was beneficial for me professionally, relationally, medically, and spiritually. I spent the past month trying live out the anthems I wear on my wrists: SEE FLOWERS, NOT WEEDS<\/a>, ONLY LOVE TODAY<\/a>, TODAY MATTERS MORE THAN YESTERDAY<\/a>, and COME AS YOU ARE<\/a>. I will be sharing more about this\u00a0via The Hands Free Revolution on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0as\u00a0I've found it to be a perfect space to share\u00a0images from my life that evoke feelings of hope, love, and connection. I\u2019d love for you to join me there<\/a>. Use the hashtag #onlylovetoday or #handsfreerevolution so we can inspire each other. Also,\u00a0the gorgeous metal cuffs I'm seen wearing in the photos above are now in stock in the HFM Shop<\/a>. I'd be honored if you choose to wear these soul-building anthems on your wrist or gift them to someone you love. My\u00a0final note is in regards to my four upcoming speaking events<\/a>: California friends in the Bay Area, our evening together is getting close! I would love to meet you when I speak on Tuesday, September 13th at 6pm at the Diablo Country Club, 1700 Club House Road, Diablo, CA. This lovely event, which includes dinner and a book signing, is hosted by\u00a0Community Presbyterian Church<\/a>. They have set up an event page<\/a> with registration coming very soon. \u00a0Friends in Chattanooga, Clarksville, and Mandan, I am coming to you\u00a0this fall. Check my speaking\u00a0events page<\/a> for event details as they come available. Friends who are not in these areas, I welcome you to pass my name along to\u00a0schools,\u00a0churches, or organizations in your community\u00a0who are seeking\u00a0speakers. I would love to meet as many of you as possible! You inspire me in ways I cannot explain in words. Please tell me what revelations, struggles, and triumphs you have experienced over the past\u00a0month. I cherish\u00a0every word, spoken and\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>unspoken, you offer me.\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cWhat you need, I need too What you are, I am too ’cause we’re all the same under a different name.\u201d -Ingrid Michaelson Throughout the month of July, I took a break from writing and posting online. I took the opportunity to relish the joy of finishing my third book, spend time with my family, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":6968,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[229],"tags":[32,1666,1230,1576,1232,1331,1668,1109,47,1078,1667,1494,1082,1665],"gutentor_comment":47,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/DSC_0325-e1469741584366.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1fUJF-1Oe","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6958"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6958"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6958\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6968"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6958"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6958"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6958"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}