Mission Day: 3

Welcome back guys. Hope you are all getting prepared for Christmas; men, it is in nine days so you better get to the store ASAP to get your "special someone" a gift. Although if you're anything like me -which I'm sure you're not- you've had that gift since before Thanksgiving.

What is on you're guys' Christmas wish list? I haven't really thought of much that I "want" for Christmas. I know what I need, but most of the stuff I need can't be bought or given in a box with ribbons and bows.

I've learned as I've gotten older that Christmas is more about giving of yourself than the giving of merchandise. Unfortunately, I think that many people still believe it's all about what they can afford to put inside a box. It's sad really once you think about it. I mean seriously; sure, we all love to get those cool presents and things we've been waiting for all year, or that one present that someone heard you mention on a whim during a meaningless conversation.

But what does that bring us other than clutter, and stuff? I don't know, maybe I'm the only one, but I rather have the opportunity to spend an entire day with no interruption in the company of those that hold a special place in my soul. I rather have the opportunity to serve the "less fortunate" a warm meal, than get the Nike+ Sportband watch I've been looking at every time I go to Dick's.

I don't know. I just don't get it. Sure, I love nice "things" just like everyone else. I rather carry my Louis Vuitton wallet than some pleather piece from Big Lots; I rather drive my leather trimmed SUV with a Sunroof and upgraded sound system than a 1993 Toyota Tercel. But am I who I am because I have those things? To some people probably, but to those that mean something to me I am Colin. I'm not the Louis Vuitton Wallet.

And so, that brings me back to my year long mission. For those of you just joining me, I've made a pact with myself to meet at least one new person everyday, for 365 days. Mission Day 3 found me in the line at 8:04am at the Arnold Commons St. Louis Bread Company.

I usually use the drive thru at this particular location, but, being in the midst of my life-mission, I decided it would be best to go inside. So there I was, waiting in a line of people about 10 deep (with two registers going, the line was going quick). The woman in front of me was dressed with exceptional taste. She had beautiful java colored shoulder length hair (and looking back I think she might have been wearing a bump-it!!!) with a large houndstooth print trench coat, with black wide leg pants that led down to a red pair of heels about 3 1/2 inches tall. They were point-toed faux crocodile leather (yes, I can spot the real thing) the same red as fire engine. They were nice. Her coat was buttoned with the waist belt tied in a loose knot to the front. I could not tell what type of blouse she was wearing, but I bet it was nice.

She was checking her Blackberry, and had a lap-top in her bag, along with a good deal of papers and little books. If I had to guess I would say she was a sales rep/person of some sort, probably pharmaceutical.

The line became slow, so I took my chance.

I really like that coat. I said as I leaned in speaking over her left shoulder. But not in the creepy "let-me-touch-you-in-a-dark-alley" kind of way.

She looked back and said, "Oh, thanks. I've had it for a while, but it was so cold this morning that I brought it out officially for winter."
Oh yeah, It has been so cold lately. I have a nice winter coat, but I keep forgetting to take it to the dry cleaner.
Oh yeah," she said "that's the only thing I don't like about this coat is that it has to be dry-cleaned."
Yeah, if I could afford it I would have all of my clothes dry cleaned just so they could iron it and hang it for me. But even then I would procrastinate putting it up in my closet. If there was one thing I had to pick to change about adult hood I would pick laundry.
Really? Of all the things that is what you would pick? I would change my bank account so I could have all the nicest of everything.
Yeah, but money can only buy so much. I bet it's true what they say, Money can't buy happiness.
I think having nice things clothes, cars, and stuff is enough to make you happy.

With that, it was her turn to order. When she turned to walk away from the counter I said:
It was nice talking to you, My name is Colin. Maybe we'll see each other her again sometime.

Yes, maybe.

And with that she was off to her table and it was my turn to order.

I was shocked. Seriously, this woman who appears to be somewhat educated, in her mid to late twenties, and appears so well put together still thinks "things" is what is going to make her happy?

Now you don't have to believe in God or Jesus -which I do, and I feel are the only things that provide you the truest level of happiness- but you have to believe that there is more to happiness than having nice items. You cannot -in the year 2009- still believe that your Lexus is going to make you happier than the love of a sibling. In the midst of an economic depression you cannot still truly, in the deepest depth of your soul, believe that what you have will make you happier than who you are and who you have around you.

It makes me sad to think that there are still people out there trying to gain "things" instead of themselves. What does it take for someone to realize that who they are, how they treat others, and the impact they make are far more important than what car they drive, what clothes fill their wardrobes, or what shoes keep their feet safe from pavement?

I think I've just found something to add to my Christmas list. I wish, that everyone, regardless of who they are, what color they are, their sexual orientation, what they've done, who they've hurt. Despite where they live, what money they have in their accounts, or where their home is; I wish that every soul could feel the warmth of Love that leads them true eternal happiness.

Thanks for tuning in tonight to Colin.Always. Remember: When we all come to the gate to be judged it won't matter what we owned, or what we bought one another.