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I recently visited Seattle and witnessed something I had never seen before, which had me pondering over those who have and those who have not.  I see now that it is all just a matter of perspective.

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My husband and I were driving down to the waterfront to visit Pike Place Market.  A haggard looking couple (who looked 30ish) wearing open trench coats (with several layers of clothing underneath) were walking across the railroad tracks to our right.  I observed them, wondering why they wore several layers of clothing in July.  Granted, Seattle is certainly not as warm as most places during the summertime, yet wearing layers of clothing seemed a bit much.  As odd and haggard looking as they were, I did take special notice of the very gleeful look shining upon each of their faces.

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As this couple continued walking along, they came upon a public telephone that had a large paper cup sitting on top of the casing.  The female grabbed the cup, looked into it, and then took a drink of whatever liquid was left inside.  She then passed the cup to her male companion who hugged her, and then took a drink from this cup as well.  So there they were, continuing to walk along and happily sharing a drink from this large paper cup someone had abandoned on top of that public telephone casing.

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My husband was appalled as he witnessed this, saying that they were perhaps homeless or druggies, etc.  I wasn’t appalled -- I was rather intrigued!  What was their story?  My initial assumption leaned somewhat toward my husband’s -- they have not -- they have not a home, a job, etc.  Yet, they appeared quite happy as they walked along, and finding that large paper cup made their day even sweeter.  I sensed that in their perspective, they have much.  Their cup of life was half full, not half empty.

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This experience sure touched me deeply -- I’m now taking a good look into my own cup of life.