In the bustle of buying coffee and a croissants people shuffled in and out of the corner bakery. Strangers bundled up on this blustery March day most seemed distant and preoccupied. In the midst of this silent group was a smiling four year old Timmy who greeted everyone with a smile and a loud hello.

Suddenly the passive line at the cashier’s station broke into warm responses and smiles. Timmy did not reserve his warm presence for any particular group. He cared little whether you were old or young, Jew or Christian, Atheist or Muslim. He was an equal opportunity giver and he made all of us feel a moment of joy because of his innocent exuberance. I thought to myself as I left the bakery how wonderful life could be if we could approach others as Timmy did this morning. At least for today, I will take the lesson that a four year old taught me and try to cheerfully touch the lives of those that cross my path.