I love New York…for about two days. Then, I’m ready for the quiet of my backyard and the space to breathe again. My husband Chris, however, is a different creature. He is energized by the people who surround him (oh, so closely) there, and he doesn’t know a stranger. New Yorkers are known for not being, perhaps, the warmest humans in the world. A lot of the natives on the downtown city streets are in survival mode, doing the daily grind, and being plenty annoyed with wandering, bobble-headed, selfie-taking tourists like ourselves. But Chris will reach right past that and start a conversation with anyone. And you know what I’ve noticed? More times than not, people soften toward him, and seem delighted to be noticed, or asked a question, or to find out that they have something in common. Sometimes, once they’ve chatted a bit, he’ll stick out his hand and offer his name, inviting them to do the same, and suddenly they are more than just a face in the crowd. He inspires me in this. I realize that many people do have walls up; many are lost in busyness; many just trying to survive, day to day. But one thing we can do for another soul is to let them know they are seen, even if that means offering a warm smile, a little eye contact and a friendly “hello” in passing. There will always be those who refuse to return the kindness, and they’re the ones who need the most grace. When I encounter them, I whisper a prayer for the lightening of their hearts. One by one, this is how God's Kingdom comes. Even in a melting pot of millions, every soul is precious.