Toronto has had some pretty miserable days of rain and ice lately. To say it has been dreary would describe it accurately. I was feeling very much in my heart the same as it looked outside my window.

I had to go to an appointment so, out into the wind and ice rain I went. When I got to the end of my street, there was our happy crossing guard. With his stop sign raised high and booming cheery voice he said " Good Morning!" and then a guy racing by on his bike wished him a good morning and of course the happy crossing guard hollered back the same. If you were to stand at the end of my street, you would meet this crossing guard who does this daily, whether it is raining or not.

I don't know his secret but I do know the effect he has on anyone crossing at his cross walk. You leave feeling a bit happier. I am challenged to try to be friendlier in a city where people stare at their phones or have ear phones in their ears. People still need to be greeted, especially on rainy yucky days!

I know this simple greeting with such enthusiasm honestly made a difference to me for a good part of my day. I feel challenged to greet people- maybe with a little less enthusiasm , but greet them whether I know them or not. Maybe someone would be encouraged by such a small effort.