The new exchange. Oreos. Yep, at 31,162 feet, going 483 mph, with a red hat and headphones for a view and two steps to the latrine, Oreo Cookies have just become the new exchange.
I have allergies to wheat, dairy and sugar. A quick glance at the label of my little four pack and it’s clear this isn’t going to fit in my diet. Not without a bit of mental fog and gas, anyways. But for the guy behind me in seat 23H… now that’s a different story.
Raising up the package of Oreos, I say, “Who wants’ this, it’s paid for?”
“Mine, I’ll take it, really, it will go with my milk. Are you giving them away…?” the gentleman exclaims with childlike glee. Gosh, his little boy just showed up and he’s off to negotiate a contract and do a quality control checks on suppliers in Hong Kong.
Now all of a sudden I’ve become his cabin buddy. Male bonding. You watch my back and I’ll watch yours! At the core it’s the universal value, a thoughtful gesture… simply thinking of others.
Something I can’t eat and could actually harm me becomes a confectionary olive branch or token of comradely amongst two strangers. The deeper value is thinking of someone and reaching out when not asked. It’s the thoughtfulness of creating value and finding a way to acknowledge someone and invite in the stranger. The Oreos were simply the metaphor for connection and care.
“Damn, thanks, this is great,” he laughed out as he dipped them in his milk.
Okay, now seat 22J is ready to pass in his tray and his package of Oreos is cracked open, yet still tucked within are three little treasures.
“May I have those?” I ask. Then responding to his quick nod, I lift the package from the tray and holding it above my head I exclaim, “more Oreos,” to the glee of the kid held hostage to a middle-aged body and life of responsibility. A simple pleasure shared.
So today, where can you take something of little tangible value, give it away and in doing so acknowledge the infinite value of another? Where can you create touch or connection and demonstrate care, concern and compassion? Where may a simple spontaneous gesture have a priceless impact on someone’s spirit? Where may even the empty calories of a timeless confectionary bring a smile to the heart of stranger? Where may you bring value to others and share a little bit of yourself today?
