Can you lend your shoulder for a moment?

I got used into going to the mall alone to buy my own needs and stuffs for school, using my own money given by my parents. I need new stationery? Then I go to the mall alone, ride a public jeepney, pay for my own fare, and directly buy what I need. There's a book sale at National Book Store? Then I'll be there alone, accompanying myself, and searching for the books I wanted all by myself.

I got used to it. Although I'm not an introverted type of person, I can enjoy my own company. I have lots of comrades to be with, and it's happy being with them. However, it's not like I literally need other people's presence to keep my self sane. I've practiced being entertained with only my presence, the nature's peace and alluring picture, and my thoughts in silence.

One time, I went to the mall, alone, to buy my school essentials. Of course I rode a jeepney, still alone, but with various strangers inside.

As usual--since this is what I always do--I took my seat on the last part near the entrance-exit, wore my earphones, listened to a calming music, eyed the other moving vehicles outside while continuously observing my surroundings.

A few minutes after, I felt like my seatmate was drowsing off. I didn't looked at him directly and just took a glance at his direction using my peripheral vision. From there, I saw his eyes were shut, evidently sleeping.

I continued to mind my own business and withdrew my thoughts about the middle-aged man beside me. I roamed my eyes, appreciating the beauty of the heavy traffic, the vehicles' smoke, and those random people walking at the middle of the road to sell peanuts or cold water. 

Source: Pinterest

I was already anticipating to arrive at the mall--eager to immediately buy what I need, and go home. Suddenly, I felt a slightly heavy thing on my shoulder which I wasn't able to identify at first.

When I looked at it, I realized that it was the man's heavy weight that was diverted on me, he's clearly sleeping, and his head was already falling at its side.

I was frightened thinking that he might be faking his sleep but he's actually awake and that's just his tactic to do something immoral. 

It's not right to think that way towards an innocent person who hasn't done anything to you, so I didn't say anything to disturb him, but I was worried for my safety so I kept alert. I embraced my backpack on top of my lap and fixed my belongings.

I observed his stance, that's when I noticed that he's wearing a typical work attire. He's also holding his wallet where a picture of his children and his wife was displayed on the transparent part of its insides.

At that moment, I realized that I did the right thing. I might've been scared and thought inappropriate thoughts, but I was relieved that I didn't moved aside and distance myself from him.

I don't know anything. But the thing that comes into my mind that time was: what if he's really tired from his work? What if he worked hard for his family so he's exhausted and needed at least a few minutes to rest?

I'm tearing up thinking about it right now, because that time, I've had the thought of my father. 

We're not there with him, to take care of him whenever he's tired from work or even sick. I do hope he's always doing good, because I know, the Lord is always guiding him like what I've been praying for. 

So I'm really thankful that I didn't let my prejudice control my actions. I let the exhausted man--a father of children--to rest on my shoulder and sleep. However, when the jeepney halted to gather some passengers along the way, that's when he realized that he's sleeping on my shoulders. He gave me an apologetic look and said sorry. I returned it with a nod and a tiny smile. I waved my hands, gesturing him that it's alright and it's nothing to worry about.

If you came this far, thank you very much. I hope you've picked up what this blog implies. We don't know what's behind every person's appearance, the story behind their tired faces, and the reason behind them sleeping on the jeepney.

I hope if you'll happen to encounter this kind of circumstance, I really do hope that you'll be generous to lend your shoulder for them. Your safety may be at risk--so just be aware--but the feeling of having the chance to help in a very small and simple way is fulfilling.