“Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women.” ~ Song of Songs 2:2

Today I took flowers to a near stranger. A “near” stranger because I’d only met her a couple times. In fact, we made each others acquaintance over the purchase of a used car. She had one to sell, and we were in the market to buy.

Over the course of a quick weekend, we got to know each other a little bit, she was relieved of one car and I became the proud owner of something that gets much better gas mileage than my former Ford Expedition.

Score.

We shared a couple meaningful, albeit brief interactions while finishing up our transaction. During one of those, I found out she’d been through a very difficult relationship and break up. In fact, though years have passed, she vows she’ll never again marry. I understand that kind of pain. Sometimes, no matter how much time passes, the wounds are so real, so raw, you can’t afford risking further injury.

My heart went out to her. It still does.

So today (Monday) I went back and found her. In my hands I carried a beautiful, one-of-a-kind lily and small card. I hoped she’d enjoy it, but I didn’t anticipate her eyes would mist with tears.

Sometimes we forget how desperately people want to be appreciated. And loved.

My little gesture didn’t cost me much of anything, and didn’t require more than 5-10 minutes of my time. And I don’t think it was really about the flower or the card. Or even the fact that I delivered it.

Today she woke up wanting to know she mattered. She needed to believe her presence in the world was noted, welcomed, treasured.

We all do.

A lily and a card accomplished that. And as I drove away, I couldn’t get past this question:

How many more people won’t know they matter by the end of today?

We can do something about it. One person at a time. It doesn’t require a flower delivery. Sometimes it’s a quick text, a smile, or simply saying “I’m thankful for you.” In the end, everyone wants to be loved.

What are you going to do about it?