Today I went job hunting.
I drove to every juice bar, health place, bakery, and ethno-diverse grocer I could find. Most said they weren’t hiring but allowed me to hand in my resume. People kept asking my why I was in town and I’d tell them it was for school. That would almost always be followed with “what school?” It was a weird feeling. I didn’t want to answer.
I’ve heard stories of people being turned down employment on the spot because of association with Bethel. I felt like answering the question was sure-fire way to lose the job. I know places have there stigma but goodness… I’m a human. I felt so discouraged. I cried.
After applying to all those places, I passed a Barnes and Noble and thought “That’s fun and they have a Starbucks inside. Maybe I could apply there! I got out of my car and came across a man I believe to have been house-less. He had a traveling backpack, sun kissed skin and bloodshot eyes. He held the door for me.
I followed him to the coffee counter and waited. Just as it was his turn to be waited, he turned around and asked if I was applying for a job. “I am!” I said and flashed him a smiled. He smiled right back and looked me right in my eyes. “Good Luck” he said, “I really hope you get the job.” I felt it to be the most present and sincere exchange of words I’d been offered today.
“Thank you” I replied.
He turned and asked if the barista (Micah) could spare a cup of water. There was something about his tone. It’s only as I write this that a piece of his beauty that I couldn’t quite grasp in the moment becomes clear. Unlike me….
He had no shame.
He wasn’t shameless in the brazen way that the phrase is typically spoken. It was in a way that meets your eye and asks for a basic human need knowing we are all worthy. He showed no sign of the shame of imposition. It moved me.
I noticed the words “F#*! You” written in bright yellow ink on his bag. Such strange words to be inscribed on the back of someone capable of such kindness. Upon receiving his water, he turned from the counter to browse the book store but as he did, he looked in my eyes again and repeated, “Good luck. I really hope you get the job.”
I walked up to the counter again but this time, I felt this confident and for the first time the response from the other side of the counter was not only that they were hiring but help. In the few seconds of our interaction, I felt more of Spirit then I have in the weeks I’ve been here. I felt like that sweet man blessed me.
I….
I didn’t ask his name. I am sitting in my room on the verge of tears because I was too timid to ask and now I can not call this beautiful human by his name. I told my friend this story and he said maybe he was an angel. One things for certain: he moved my heart.