the hues that matter

Today I was struck anew at God’s creation.

I went downtown, and people observed every step of the way.

Not only do people come in all shapes and sizes, they come in many different hues.

Like me, you may be thinking Hugh Jackman, Hugh Laurie or Hugh Dancy (three of my favorite Hugh’s)…but that is not what I meant.

People were adorned in every color possible. Some with brights (neons, multi textured patterns), some in neutrals (white, beiges, grays & darks).

But the colors they wore don’t reflect their hues.

A crazy person, I know, but I like to smile at the bulk of the people I walk by.

Many gave off vibes of stress, anger and frustration.

A rare minority smiled back.

The majority avoided eye contact, content to look down or at their phones.

Others were yelling or talking loudly into even more phones.

A few were bopping along to the beat of their own personal music mix.

Each one giving off a hue of what is going on within.

Most not realizing that today was a gift.
And some may not have another one tomorrow.

The people who smiled and made eye contact, or offered their seats on the subway or train?

Their true hues of compassion, sensitive to the needs of others.
Listening to the leading whispers of the Spirit, responding with kindness when prompted.

Those are the kinds of hues that truly matter.

Not what ethnicity, hair or eye color, height or weight, wardrobe or style choices we have made, rather what we choose to color ourselves with from the inside out:

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Colossians 3:12-14

Image from: http://erikadawson.com/heartfelt-compassion-verses-pray-kids/