Patio Pondering: They Cared

This morning’s view from the patio is beautiful. We finally have a morning with little dew and no fog. The sun’s rays are reflecting off the high clouds, giving a warm red glow to the landscaping as I sip my coffee.

My mind is full of thoughts—appropriate wedding attire, reading comprehension, following road signs and rules of the road, communication. On top of that, I’m trying to complete a visa application, and between the poor English translation and contradictory instructions, I’m not sure where my day will take me.

I attended a wedding this weekend and had time to observe a lot. I could probably write a week’s worth of Patio Ponderings just on what’s considered “appropriate wedding attire” these days. But one memory stands out: when we spoke with the bride and groom as they mingled through the crowd.

Both were genuinely happy to see us, but each mentioned how worried they were that they wouldn’t have time to talk with everyone. Their interactions with me and my son were simple, sincere, and refreshing.

They were refreshing because they showed one thing—they cared.

They were happy we came. They wanted everyone to feel welcome. And they wanted us to have a good time.

How often do you leave a meeting or conversation making others feel that same way—that you cared, that you really wanted to help, and weren’t just full of the “right” words?