Today after class, I was carrying my lunch to my normal secluded area next to the chapel's small pool-fountain, and as I entered the small courtyard, I saw a girl, about my age, sitting on one of the large, elevated squares near the water, crying intensely. The tears hung from her eyes like little jewels, so full that the sun danced in them. I couldn't help but be moved by this, but the whole scene had caught me off guard, and, although hesistantly, I continued to walk toward my familiar spot, farther back, next to the little side stair alcove. I sat facing away from her, so that our backs were to each other, as I did not want to make her feel as though I was invading her privacy. I kept thinking to myself, "Should I go talk to her and let her know that I would listen if she needed a listener?" I thought about this for a time, until I knew that doing such a thing would be too difficult, as if the moment had passed. As I ate my food, I couldn't help but be moved again by her sadness, and I sat my lunch down as I felt myself almost reaching the point of tears. I felt so raw inside. I prayed for her. When I finally turned around, I saw that she was gone, probably for some time, and I felt bad that I did not, or could not, help her. I don't know what to think about this, but I suppose that a horribly oversimplified question would be: Did I sin? Could I have done more? I just don't know, and when I think about it, I want to say, probably not, but I just don't know. I want to say that I would have done the noble thing and offered to listen to her, but what guarantee did I have that she would trust me, a full stranger? I'm at a loss...
, or anyone else. It's very hard for many people to intrude on a stranger's problems or grief. I mean, what if they think you're some nutcase or something, right? Or what if they just prefer to be left alone? But, and maybe it's the mommy thing, I always have to say something, even if they do think I am crazy. I do get little tummy flutters when I do it, because I'm kind of shy myself, and I'm afraid of being snapped at. But I just have to say something. Someone was very kind to me once, when I was a stranger all alone and crying. She gave me just the comfort I needed though, and if she hadn't spoken just at that moment, with just those words, I don't know how long I would have continued to struggle for hope. You just never know why God puts certain people in our paths, but every one of them is an opportunity for Grace, for a message from God. 
Pray that the next time you will be able to overcome your shyness and speak. 
