Little Rocks of Love

How many times have you taken a walk around your neighborhood and everything looks normal, in its place? Ordinary. Your eyes gloss over the usual sights and your mind is elsewhere.

Then once in a while, there is something different. Or maybe it’s been there all along, you’ve just never noticed it before. This just happened to me.

A few weeks ago I was walking down the street from my house and I noticed a painted rock at the base of an old birch tree. The large blue letters read, “Dream.” Warmth coursed through me and I smiled. How cute was that? I continued walking and about half a block later I saw another rock, hidden near another tree, painted red with the word, “Rise.” I stood up a bit straighter and giggled as I continued my walk.

Questions swarmed in my mind. Who did this? How long had these rocks been there? How many were there?

I spent the next hour wandering around the neighborhood, up and down streets, craning my neck in all different directions, seeking these little gems. I found at least fifteen. Each time I spotted one a surge of joy rushed through me like I was on a motivational scavenger hunt.

The next day I ventured out for my walk, and in just 24 hours, I had forgotten all about the rocks. Life had distracted me with worries of money, my health, and an assortment of other concerns rattling inside my frazzled brain. I hobbled down the street, slow since my back was flaring up. I sighed, feeling despondent, longing for the days when my body didn’t have those aches to contend with. Halfway through my walk, I gleaned from the corner of my eye a bright shade of green. It was another one of those rocks, beneath the mailboxes. I recalled the rocks from the day before but didn’t remember seeing this one. I bent down to take a closer look and in haphazard writing were the words, “U ROCK.”

Tears formed in my eyes. It was just the boost that I needed.

Every day since then on my walk, I see these rocks and I smile knowing that someone out there took the time to give a little love to the world. And I’m sure it’s made a difference to more people than just me.

I may never discover who painted and placed these rocks around town. And that person may never know how much it affected me. It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that we do more of this, little acts of love.

With that in mind, I share with you this simple story, one of connection, hope, and caring. May it prompt you to harness your creativity and explore ways you can contribute to the world in any size.

And just in case you were wondering, U ROCK!