Lessons from a Stranger and a Squirrel
In honor of Squirrel Appreciation Day (yes, apparently this is an actual holiday), I thought it would be the perfect moment to share about one of my stranger turned friends I have encountered. My friends often say I should write a book about the people I meet; so, here is the start.
Photo by Reg Haslett
(Annaliisa and Morgan, if you’re reading this, does this squirrel not remind you of the one that ate my french fries on that middle school Ohio tour trip????)
Earlier this month, I attended the January C.S. Lewis Institute lecture. After the event, I was invited to join a discussion group to share our thoughts about the speaker’s presentation. We all shared our thoughts about the topic of humility and how we saw God just so wonderfully humbling us. As I described my background, I of course shared about my summer camp work. Little did I know that my go-to liner about rescuing flying squirrels from cabins would lead to a time travel moment.
After the discussion group, Reg appraoched me with a picture. Strangers have given me gifts in the past (Suzie on a plane gave me a crocheted Ukrainian heart. John on a bus gave me a knotted keychain). However, no one has randomly given me a gift so fitting and striking.
The gift? A photo- a squirrel photo.
Photo by Reg Haslett
“Be determined,” it reads. Okay, so your typical cat poster that encourages you to hang in there, right? I thanked Reg for the interesting photo, but then was surprised to see the next gesture. A pamphlet of a reflection about seeing God through squirrels.
As random and as out of the box this idea sounds, the message could not be more spot on. The reason Reg’s actions resonated with me so much is because I saw how I wanted future me to be.
Reg was a chemistry teacher by profession. For those of you who know me, the idea of teaching os something I have always been running from (ironic how all of my employment positions have related to tutoring/teaching). For the past two years, God has humbled me and shown me that being a teacher, in whicher capactiy that looks like, is such a noble calling. Teachers are working the front lines of change; teachers inspire; even Jesus was a teacher.
Not only was Reg a teacher, but he also balanced a minsitry. He loves writing, and so as he travels and is inspired by a prompting from God, he writes. He has ventured on numerous roadtrips, mountain hikes, and countless other adventures. In doing so, he takes time to observe the little things in nature or with people and reflect.
Then, he goes the extra mile. Reg is so driven to make a difference, he prints out his reflections and photos and eagerly carries them with him, ready to gift them to strangers. Whenever an opportunity arises, like me mentioning a squirrel, he acts. And he is not becoming memorable for himself, but as a way to show God’s light to others.
As I continue to hone my view of success, I pray my life and success stories will look similar to Reg’s. Reg does not care about money or fancy titles; his only goal is to make a difference in others’ lives. By relishing in th ejoy and beauty our creator scatters across this world, Reg is siezing the chance to open others’ eyes and not only offer encouragement, but provide a new way of seeing the world.
I really hope my interraction with Reg was a glimpse of my own future self. I never want to give up writing or a child-like curiosuity in seeing the world. I want to reflect and share tokens with others. This is why I continue this blog; this is why I talk to strangers and share bracelets/exchange crochet pieces. This is what really matters in life- seeing those you encounter, listening to their stories, and taking the time to uplift them and be uplifted. Thank you Reg for motivating so many students and myself. You have no idea what you kind gift has meant to me, and I pray I can one day do the same for you.
Below is the complete devotional by Reg Haslett.
