Christmas on the Corner. New Years at the Yield

By Betsy L. Angert

This year, Christmas and New Years Days were days of intense reflection. Perchance, that is true every year and for every individual. I cannot know what is true for others. I am only certain that this year on each of these dates I was immersed in a rigorous course of rumination. I was being schooled, but not in the traditional sense, although there was a curriculum, “realization through the routine.” I was doing as I do and then it hit me, life’s lessons are the gifts that keep on giving. Those we receive on holidays may be more golden or just more unique. Perhaps it is the stillness we experience on these two days or the symbolism that surrounds us. I am unsure. I only know that whatever it was, this Christmas and New Years I learned my lessons.

Empathy and Education were on the agenda, although perhaps in reverse order. Possibly, the truer course was entropy and encouragement. Each edifies. I wonder; are these topics intertwined. In my attempt to analyze and understand what I needed to learn or did, I invite your assessments. Please indulge me as I share two very short stories, Christmas on the Corner and New Years at the Yield.

Allow me to set the scene. It was a bright, sunny Saturday. I was not locked in a classroom. Nor did I enter a library, a lecture hall, or school. Indeed, there were no walls to surround me. I was where I am on every Saturday of the year,

[with one exception] at the “Peace Corner.” Years ago, the name was given to the intersection of two major highways in my local community. At the time many people came out weekly to stand vigil for global harmony. But that was then. Since December 0f 2008, mostly, I stand alone. [I thank the two who have come once or twice…]

I appear at the crossroads, me, myself, and I. My constant companions are my thoughts and the signs, the index and middle fingers held high in a gesture of peace, and of course, my hand-made poster. It reads “Love! Not War. Love!”

As mentioned on occasion, one of two other persons arrives. They also promote peace. However, if either of these individuals appears, we do not stand together. I prefer the sunny side and in truth the location where few have travelled, to advocate for peace without aggression. Hence, regardless of the Saturday, I place myself on the North side of the streets. There I can focus. I can connect with passer-bys. Eye contact with drivers and walkers is all I need. Networking or idle chatter, these are not my interests.

I choose to touch a mind or a heart. I recognize that a fleeting moment is just a start and progresses. It begins with a glance and then the chance that someone approaches me from the street. From a vehicle, or the seat of a bicycle, by means of two feet, they come. Many stop and take time to greet me. I learn lots from these chance meetings. A wink, a smile, a peace sign in return, even a beep – they teach. I am never sure what will be said, or done. The thoughts of others escape me. Indeed, I think of this often as I contemplate the bustling traffic. How many do I not see, hear, or feel? What is it that these travelers might teach me? If only I could scan every lane. Oh the exchanges.

I accept that I will be touched, intrigued, quizzed, and question myself. Tis a true delight. What does it all mean? I think the lessons are essential. I know they are for me. It is as these reflections are, my stories… Christmas on the Corner and New Years at the Yield.

Christmas on the Corner
Christmas Day, or the date customarily adopted in America as the holy day, gave gifts I have yet to comprehend. In 2010, the streets were bare. Nary an automobile was in site. Egrets were everywhere. I pondered. Might these lovely white birds anxiously await the celebration each December? The quiet calm truly captured my attention and theirs. The lovely herons swooped and dove gracefully through the air. When an occasional automobile appeared on the scene, stopped as required by a red directional signal, uncharacteristically, the two-legged winged animals perched themselves atop the metallic being for the minutes of immobility.

I have never seen the egrets more enthusiast, energetic, and serene, at peace. The dance these creatures did was well orchestrated, I felt as though I had been given front-row seats to a theatre production meant only for the privileged few. At least that was my thought, until the silence was broken.

As pious people prayed in churches, as the less devout gathered, whilst the secular sat with loved ones, a man sped through the intersection. Upon seeing my signs, or the little person I am, he screamed. “F**k You!” Yes. Thank the Lord. This gent was grateful. He appreciated the chance to vent, or at least, I speculate. I wondered; in what way did my presence, my message or I, evoke such emotion. What was stirred within him? Likely, I will never know, but hope to. Until then…I muse

In a time thought to define “Peace on Earth” and “Goodwill to all men,” we move closer to or farther from – what is yet to come…

New Years at the Yield
Seven days later, on New Years Day 2011. Might this be a new beginning? The day’s events were equally, actually more unusual than those on Christmas. In the last decade of standing vigil, never have people been so very responsive to my message or me.

I might have imagined that with increased traffic, New Years Day compared to Christmas, people could have been more intent on shopping and sales. After a long holiday people might feel a need to catch up. A day at work or just doing deeds – there could be a fervent desire to dash. The pressure of life takes us hither and yon on a far less consecrated day. We understand that we must deliver. Had I thought about it, I might have predicted there would be far fewer acknowledgements of peace. However, I learned long ago, prediction is an affliction. The world is chaotic. There is no control. Go with the flow; that is what’s fun. And more significantly fulfilling!

Indeed, the opposite of an ostensible projection was true. Everywhere I turned, North, South, East, and West, people smiled. Countless placed their fingers in a sign of peace. Car horns honked constantly and not at other vehicles. Drivers made certain that I knew these toots were meant for me. Carloads of persons young, old, and all ages in-between waved to me. Hands were held high in a sign of accord. Out of many a window, from each side of a car, fingers flew in a gesture that mirrored my own. Wow!!!!!!!

Then, suddenly, near the end of my hour at the crossroads, a late model, newly washed burgundy Sports Utility Vehicle approached. A nicely dressed woman was driving the car. She pulled over and came within inches of me. The window rolled down and a passenger smiled. The woman did as well. What did they want? What would they say or do. I took in the scene.

She wore a tailored a black print dress. He a well-pressed starched white shirt. Her raven colored hair was long, lush, and curly. His was dark and well-coifed. Each flashed a bright white grin. The two were excited to see my, or so it seemed. They motioned, “let’s talk.” I thought perhaps they were lost and hoped I was a local who would provide directions.

That turned out not to be the case. Elatedly, the woman spoke. She said, “I see you here every week. I have for years.” Breathlessly, she continued. “About a month ago, I decided to buy you a book.” She became more animated with each word she uttered. “I have looked for you every Saturday since. “ I assured her, I was there every week, even on the most recent Saturday passed, Christmas Day. I thought possibly she came by before or after I left in earlier weeks. I did not have time to inquire. Impatient with glee and happy to finally connect, the sweet stranger stretched out her hand. In it the tome. Grateful for the expression of kindness, I quickly read the large typed title, “An Endless Falling in Love.”

Unfamiliar with the book, I thanked her and thought of how special. My mere presence inspired her to think thoughts of love. The pair said, “God bless.” Each thanked me for doing as I do. Throughout the exchange, the traffic whizzed by. After the two merged into the flow. In an instant they were out of sight.

Curious, I tried to scan the cover while I stood. I did not wish to neglect what for me is my priority, the people as they pass the Peace Corner. I tucked the paperback behind my poster and continued to receive the endless warm welcome acknowledgements. For many minutes more, the air was filled with friendly exchanges. When it was time for me to be with me and continue the day, I read on. I discovered the manuscript was more religious than spiritual. The woman had handwritten a somewhat personal or practical note. She shared her name and the name of the church she is affiliated with.

While I am not a follower of a religious faith, for doctrines do not fill me with delight; I am nonetheless extremely touched. As one who believes that we each have a profound effect on all others, I am grateful for the recognition. The couple’s choice to come close to me, to grace me with goodwill, and bestow benevolence in the form of a book and bequest . . . this is special to me. Encouragement. I think it is part of an intensive study that I trust has not ended.

The lessons I learned on these two special days.. Empathy and Education come at us from every direction. Entropy and encouragement are also always present. There are combative cries and compassionate, connections. There are infinite chances to understand. Lessons find us wherever we are, on street corners and in other places. Often we do not understand the messages or relate to the thoughts nay their intention. Still, we learn. We teach. We reach. But how and whom?

A f**K you, a book, or a card…a gentle gesture, a slam….an explosive man, an energetic couple…these are our teachers. The question is, on this a holiday, a holy day, a hump day, or just a day, will we gain knowledge. Will we choose to be students?

copyright © 2011 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org