Peace from Fred

I took a walk last week at a local park. I was upset and even though I had what felt like 100 things to do, the walk came first.

I stormed that trail.

I walked fast and burned off my heat. It felt good. Finally, I found that place of surrender toward the end. My body slowed down and my breathing evened out.

I got into my car and sat at the wheel for a minute. And thank goodness I did. Because that’s when Fred walked up.

“Hey,” he said. “You come here often?”

It was the kind of line a girl might laugh at. But he wasn’t picking me up. He was genuine. And old. And wanted to chat.

“I’m Fred,” he said. “What’s your name?”

With a little time, I learned Fred served in the Navy. Fred walks every day. Fred lives in my neighborhood and has a wife who doesn’t walk but is home when he gets there.

Fred eased the rest of the tension lingering in my body. Whatever bothered me was alleviated by the calming salve of neighborly conversation. Fred was the peace I’d been seeking for nearly a week. I was grateful.

What brought you peace this week? Share the peace.