Downtown Light

I had taken the 4 subway line all the way from the Upper East Side in New York City, where I had taken in a concert, and the train was full of other visitors, locals, and workers. A train full of big city energy.

Near subway station exits, there are often food carts ready for riders as they come up from the underground. The light from the carts stood out in the darkness and created a warm, welcoming glow. The worker I was watching walked over to a Nathan’s Hot Dog food stall and ordered a classic NYC hot dog.

I felt like I was watching a simple moment of peace in the world brought to life by an act of hospitality. One human being, alone in a food stall with the lights on in the dark, preparing street food for a traveler in the dark. Yes, I know I’m overthinking and overfeeling a moment, but we’ve all felt tired, and we’ve all felt alone, and coming across a stranger who’s left the lights on for us has always been a relief.

Sometimes we offer hospitality, and sometimes we’re the ones who accept the offer. When these two ingredients combine, we get peace.