Being Aware of Others

Moments ago as I pulled into the parking lot of the party store a young lanky kid the color of smooth tar was walking up. There was something about him. I jumped out of the car and walked to the door. He held the door open for me.

"Thank you," I said. "Your parents taught you well."

"Yes, ma'am," he said.

I smiled and rather nonchalantly followed him. He walked straight to the register and asked for a 25 cent box of Mike and Ike candy. He dropped the quarter onto the counter. It clanked. It had a joyous sound.

"Here," I said, "Let me pay for that for you and why don't you get something for your siblings too. Do you have siblings?"

"Yes, ma'am," he said, "I have a little brother. I was going to share this box of Mike and Ike's with him."

"Well, why don't you get him a box and anything else you might like," I said. "Now, I'm not big on junk food, but tonight let's just say that it will be a special treat."

"Really, ma'am?" he asked.

"Really," I said. "Go ahead. Have you had dinner?"

"Yes, ma'am" he said. "I got a bad sweet tooth."

"Most kids do," I said. "But remember this is just a special treat and please be careful not to eat so much sugar and junk food every day."

"Yes, ma'am," he said.

I went to get my favorite summer drink, Bombay and a bottle of tonic water. The kid went for chips, a bigger box of Swedish jelly fish candy and a 16 oz bottle of soda.

"Remember," I said, as he brought the junk food to the counter, "this is a special treat."

"Yes, ma'am," he said, beaming from ear to ear.

"I'm going to give you this and I want you to pay for your own treat and you can keep the change."

His eyes got the size of silver dollar pancakes.

"Really, ma'am?" he asked stunned. Really seems to have been his favorite word.

"Really," I said, smiling.

"Thank you so much," he said.

"You're so welcome," I said. "What's your name?"

"Leviticus, ma'am" he said.

"Wow, Leviticus?" I asked.

"Yes, ma'am. It's the third book of the Bible," he said confidently.

Apparently, the name was one of distinction for him. It's originality had no ill affect.

"I know the book well," I said.

Tears circled my eyes, but I didn't know why. There was such a hush about the meeting, a beauty about the kid. Leviticus is a book of rules, but it is also one of distinction. I pray that this kid will make an impact. By his demeanor and composure, he seems to have been given a good start.