This morning, I woke up and couldn't fall back asleep, so I decided to go on one of my early morning bike rides that I love so much. Except this time, I wanted it to be special, so I grabbed my copy of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, a water bottle, and my backpack. I sloppily shoved the blanket and book into the backpack, hauled my bike up the stairs, and headed out the door. My usual path provided no extraordinary circumstances and I listened to the New Broadway Cast Recording of Godspell on the way there. The uphill section of my route was not as much of a challenge today as it had been before, probably because I have been going up the hill more often lately.
I turned into St. Ferdinand Park and hunted for a good spot to settle down and read. The air was stagnant, the sun was bright, the world was quiet. Flies, wasps, and bees invaded my reading area. Or maybe I invaded their living area. I laid down my blanket on the dewy grass, sat down, and cracked open my book. Half a page in, the bugs became unbearable. A rather large bee took residence on my neck, and following my impulse, I grabbed at it mid-sting. It hurt, but not as much as being squished between two monstrous fingers I guess.
At this point, I was sweaty, thirsty, feeling the wrath of an upset bee, wet because of the dewy grass, blinded by oncoming sunlight, and felt overall dissatisfaction. So, I decided to pack up and leave.
I didn't leave though. I noticed the gazebo across the pond. It's a quaint gazebo, overlooking majestic landscaping before the deep end of the pond. I guided my bike into the opening of the gazebo, pulled my water bottle and book back out, and read. Over here, there were no bugs, a constant flow of wind combed my hair to the right, the sounds of birds and the fountain and industrial lawnmowers reverberated in the small valley between two hills. Normal 7AM-at-the-park activity happened; dog walkers and weight losers and bikers peppered the otherwise lonely atmosphere. Out of nowhere, a man on a modest bike in black bike shorts and a teal t-shirt arrived.
"Well, this is the spot I normally stop to pray at and I'm gonna go on ahead if that's okay. Wow, that's a big bike." The man checked out my awkwardly-large bicycle as he sat down to pray. "I'm gonna pray silently so I don't bother ya."
"That's fine, go ahead. I'm just reading, you're okay!"
The man prayed. His sunglasses covered his eyes too well to see, but I know he was crying. Amongst his tears, he sneezed. I paid him the obligatory bless you. He finished up his prayer, thanked me, and stood.
"Do you know Jesus?"
"Yep, he's a good guy."
"He's the best thing to ever happen to me."
"I'm glad, sir."
"Thank you. Well I'm gonna head on home now. Take care."
"You too. Have a nice day!"
Maybe he thought I was being rude, but I wasn't sure what to say. I'm not a religious guy, but I am fully supportive of those who are. I believe faith is a beautiful thing, and am truly happy for those who have found solace in their faith. Hearing this man's few words touched me. I knew how important this man's faith was to him. I may never see this man again; I never caught his name. But he won a place in my heart by sticking to his faith, and being a kind, genuine person. I have no clue what was included in his prayer, but I hope with all of my will that he finds his own happiness.
I'm glad that I stayed at the park today. I stopped sweating, the bugs left me alone, the seat of my pants dried, and I got some quality reading done. I also felt a stranger's love. His love for something intangible, that can only be felt in the heart.
There have been things in my life that have driven me from faith in a higher being. I cannot find that light in myself, and I cannot see past all the scientific proof that disproves many aspects of faith. But what I can see is that faith and light in others. Seeing others find peace gives me peace. That, and rereading Perks on a Thursday morning in a bug-infested but genuinely beautiful park.
An elderly couple just walked past the gazebo. A tear welled up in my eye. Then a father and his young daughter. Next, a group of middle-aged women.
Parks are beautiful places. I'm glad I stayed.
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