Freckled Toe

I sat at a red light on the way to breakfast this morning and watched an elderly gentleman in a crumpled beige suit cross the street.  There was nothing at all remarkable about him, save that he wore a red life jacket over his Sunday best.  “Huh,” I thought to myself, “At least he’s always prepared for a flash flood.”  Then the light blinked green, and I drove away. 

But he lingered with me throughout the day.  Just the statement he made, walking down the street well prepared against what tide might come.  Every minute of every day we can drown in a multitude of sorrows, stresses, and worries.  It’s a good idea to brace oneself against the inevitable waves of life.  Against the threat of loneliness, pain, failure, and other terrors, my connections to amazing people who love and care for me keep my head above water.

Of course, in addition to friends, I’d recommend a good helmet.  Life’s tough, protect the head.