Seeing and believing

Who hasn't been Ted Williams at some point in their life? Perhaps our moment of 'Ted-ness' didn't take us to the streets, but who among us hasn't drifted far off the path we envisaged for ourselves?  Who?

While we revel in the joy and excitement of Williams' new found hope and prospects, perhaps we should take a moment to consider that it is the fact of his having been seen that has given him this chance. Perhaps we should consider for a moment, that every day we pass folk on the streets (and in our homes?) who only want to be seen.


Seeing isn't nearly as hard as it might first appear.  It involves putting down the iPad, iPhone or other smartphone for a minute and making eye and emotional contact with the person right next to or in front of you.  Think about it.  Not too long ago, there were no gadgets to keep us as connected and yet disconnected from our neighbors.

Everywhere you go today, when you see someone down on their luck or just experiencing a rough patch, someone who is clearly in need of a hand, perhaps you might ask yourself, "Are you Ted Williams?" and follow that thought with whatever action you think is appropriate.  Maybe you'll buy someone a cup of coffee or put someone in touch with a coworker looking to fill a job.  Ted Williams isn't the only diamond out there waiting to be found and polished, given an opportunity to be set into a spectacular piece of jewelry.  No indeed, given our almost 10% unemployment,  you can rest assured that there are quite a few Teds out there.

Commit yourself to seeing and believing in someone today.  It's really not that hard.