So remember that one time we asked if someone was a man or woman on the bus and they started signing to us? I sincerely thought neither of us would ever see that person again. I was wrong.
Fayoz was taking the bus to work the other day and looked up to see a familiar face on the other side of the bus. With a start he realized this was the same person we had insulted about a year ago. His intimidating features were somewhat softened by his reading glasses as he was reading the morning news. When I saw him, I think I would have had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, but Fayoz is more brave than me. His only thought was that he must take this opportunity to apologize for last year's incident.
He walked over, grabbed a seat in front of the person and boldly said:
"Hello! I want to say I am really sorry."
Looking at Fayoz with a growing recognition the person said "Ah, I remember you. You sat across from me on the bus."
Fayoz said, "Yes, that's right, and I'm so sorry."
The smile on his face told Fayoz that this man knew exactly what he was talking about. With a warmth I would not have never anticipated at our first meeting, he said, "Really, it's fine, don't worry about it! What's your name?"
From the ensuing conversation Fayoz learned that he was indeed a man (I was so stunned at our meeting last year I didn't fully catch what he had said, but I thought he had said that he was a woman). He identified as being gay from a young age and had lived in Brooklyn his whole life. He told Fayoz about his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
It was a short conversation since Fayoz soon after reached his stop, but I am so thankful that God allowed it!
Looking back on my life I have realized that the people I know I have wronged have entered my life again at some point and I was able to make peace with them. The incident with this man bothered me so much because in this huge city I didn't see how it was going to be possible for me to do that. When Fayoz relayed this story, I felt such relief and joy that this man had forgiven us and harbored no hard feelings, I nearly cried.
We are so blessed.
Love that line... "Looking back on life I have realized that people I know I have wronged have entered my life again at some point and I was able to make peace with them." So powerful and true!
ReplyDeleteYeah I have felt sooo blessed for that, but I wonder if that's true for everyone. I'm sure we all get that chance at some point, even if it's beyond the veil. It's one of the greatest mercies!
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