A Stranger or A Reason: Inspiring Words by Melonie Shelton

You always hear people say that people come into your life for a reason.  I often find that hard to believe, yet I have had that happen to me so many times.  Working in a hospital there have been several times that I met a person that made me see things in a more positive way or made me realize I didn’t have it so bad after all.  It is so easy to get caught up in our own world and often times forget there are still special people in the world we live in.

Tonight I met a very special lady that bought one of my paintings.  I always find time to chat with anyone that buys something from me and I’m so very glad I was able to meet her.  While she was complimenting my work, she also told me that their home recently burned down and they were slowly trying to redecorate.  I was listening as she told her story and thinking how I couldn’t imagine going through something that horrific.  She then goes on to tell me how she and husband had always had foster children and that many were at certain times in a witness protection program.  Her daughter, who was a foster child that she took into her home was five years old at that time and now is thirteen.  This child has been through more than most go through in a lifetime, and I had tears rolling down my face as she told me more.  Her daughter, who I’ll call “Madison”, has always loved music and every time she heard the music she couldn’t keep still.  At the age of 5, they enrolled her in dance, but the dance teachers said she was too much to handle and that she couldn’t stay in the class.  These special people didn’t give up, something we can all learn from.  They found her a dance teacher; a teacher with as much energy as Madison.  The teacher’s immediate thoughts were that Madison had a gift, just like her new parents believed as well.  Although Madison has faced many struggles in life, dance is her outlet, her passion, her dream.  Now at age 13, she has received a scholarship to a dance school in New York!  Madison never gave up on herself and neither did her parents.  She will go far in life due to a “stranger” coming into her life.  Now ask yourself again if you meet people just because or for a reason?

I met this lady tonight for a reason.  She had a calm voice; she was a sincere and overall good person.  She said things to me that taught me more than she realizes.  Although we live in a harsh society, never forget that there are still good people living among you.  It is up to YOU to take the chance or opportunity to meet them and listen to them.  Just when you think you have it bad or are just having a bad day, along comes this person you do not know.  This person could be going through more than you but yet has a smile on their face and is sharing a special part of their life with you.  Each and every one of us needs a little encouragement in our lives.  I ask you to take the time, even if it is just one day, to listen to someone you consider a stranger.  They may be that special person that changes your whole outlook on life.  Give someone an ear or a shoulder one day; it could be a life-changing moment for both of you.

About the Author

My name is Melonie Shelton and I’m a 44 year old single mom.  I have 1 daughter who just started college and we live in Arkansas.  I am a person that never meets a stranger and would give anyone the last thing I have.

Positive Words Research – A Stranger or a Reason? Inspiring Words by Melonie Shelton