Meeting Amazing People

I had to share here about an amazing encounter I had yesterday.

Allow me first to say that every person you connect with, comes into your life to bring you to a higher level than you’ve ever been before. EVERY encounter is significant.

I was sitting in my chiropractor’s office yesterday when one of the office staff asks me about my books.

A rather muscular looking guy with a sleeveless shirt, tatoos, bad teeth, dirty boots, dirty clothes and the stench of sweat overheard our conversation. He asked me what we were talking about. Of course, I shared with him that I write books and do public speaking.

His eyes lit up and he immediately began telling me about his son, J.J. Atkins. He told me that his son’s name is J.J. for Jason Junior. This 38 year old man’s name was Jason. He said that his son was about to enter his senior year of college. I asked where he attended. He quickly responded, ‘Brown University in Rhode Island. Have you ever heard of it?’ I said, ‘Of course I’ve heard of it. It is one of the most prestigious Ivy schools in the northeastern U.S.’

I gained a new best friend, instantly. Jason told me all about his son and the accomplishments that he had achieved. J.J. has a genetic heart defect that is incurable. I didn’t ask the particulars but I did sit there for the better part of an hour listening to this man tell me about his amazing son.

J.J. will turn 21 this fall and will be finishing his education at Brown next spring. He is president of his class at Brown and is studying International Business. He schooling has all been paid for with and abundance of scholarships. Jason said that he sent J.J. $100 every two weeks.

By looking at Jason, you wouldn’t give him a second thought as to having anything at all going on his life like he does. J.J.’s mother (Jason’s ex-wife) is in prison for drug convictions. She has consecutive sentences that she will serve over the next 10 years. Jason was 17 when J.J. was born.

I’ve met and am personal friends with names that most people would quickly recognize. I honor all of those relationships. However, there is none more important to me than keeping my heart, soul and mind open enough to stumble across people like Jason.

Jason has invited me out to his home (that he built with his own hands) and said that he wants to cook ribs and brisket for me on a cooker that he also built himself. He talked to me about the many professions that he has had in his life and I easily discerned that this man is likely twice as intelligent as he thinks he is.

I found that perfect moment to tell him, ”Jason, you are probably twice as smart as you let on to be.” Almost with tears in his eyes, he said, “You think so?” I said, “I’m very sure of it.”

I honor the path that my life takes. To lead me on to the path of Jason Atkins is the daily treat that I never see coming. I feel quite loved by God for allowing me such an amazing encounter.

Jason took my number and said that he will call me and cook dinner for me. He asked me, ”Michael will you have a beer with me?” I told him that I was on a diet and was loosing significant weight but that I would love to have a beer with him.

Never underestimate any one who’s path crosses yours. You might be in for a blessing that money could never buy for you. You might just meet Jason Atkins.