It feels like things have always been like this. Early every morning, as we get ready for the day, I look out the window and I see her walking. She is an older lady – probably in her early to mid seventies would be my guess. She is tiny. Her back is a little bit bent. She is beautiful…
Her steps are not brisk, neither are they slow. They are determined and steady, and she is always looking ahead. We have the blinds up to let the daylight in as we go through our morning routine – breakfast, cleaning up, getting ready, etc. I see her as she walks down the street past our house… she turns around at the end of the street and walks by again, a few minutes later. I feel like yelling: “Have a nice day”!
Rain or shine, she is there. Sometimes her jacket is thick – on our nice snowy days 
. Sometimes her jacket is thin. But she is always there. And she is always in a blue jacket.
Each time I see her, I smile to myself. I am encouraged. Her diligence with her daily walk has done so much for me – far more than she can imagine. I feel like I know her, like she is my friend. I am constantly inspired by her persistence. Seeing her every day is a reminder that I too, should stay diligent, stay disciplined, and keep working towards my goals – through the ups and the downs. She reminds me that I don’t necessarily need to be super fast, as long as I am consistent, focused and diligent.
“One of these days, I will leave what I’m doing and go say a quick hello to her.”
I’ve said that to myself so many times. It’s so early in the morning though, and we are always busy doing this and that. You know how quickly time flies in the morning… It really is not the best time to go out for a chat… Plus it’s kind of cold… 
“But one of these days, I’ll go. I’ll tell her how much she’s inspired me.”
A couple of weeks ago, after getting back from a family vacation, we settled in, resumed our regular routine and I started looking out the window for my friend again. But she was nowhere to be found. I’ve tried searching for her. I’ve checked the nearby streets to see if maybe she is walking there instead. But she’s not there…. It’s a really large neighborhood so she really could be anywhere. I have no idea where she lives. I don’t even know her name… But I miss her so!
My guess is for some reason, she has decided to take another route for her daily walk. I certainly wish her well wherever she is. I’d like to think that she is out there inspiring another young woman like me – telling her, without saying any words – to stay diligent, stay disciplined, stay focused, stay determined and stay steady, through the wind and through the rain. I still smile as I write this, thinking about her. I really hope I get to see her again! This time I will not waste anytime in talking to her 
!
This experience reminded me of a few more things:
1. It is a reminder that we often don’t realize how our seemingly little actions are affecting others. Many times, even when people don’t say a word about it, we are affecting others around us positively or negatively. I pray that with our words, our actions, and our daily walk, we will always affect everyone around us in a positive way. And that we will always be an inspiration unto others, in a big way or in a little way.. never a distraction or the cause of a setback.
2. It is also yet another reminder to not take the “ladies in blue jackets” in my life for granted. To remember to appreciate the people – men, women, young and old – that have had a positive impact in my life, as I have the opportunity. And like a dear sister (Kehinde) reminded me this morning – we should be really careful about the danger of procrastinating on this and on anything else too!
Let’s keep encouraging each other, keep that goodness going all around! So help us God, Amen:)!
Here’s the verse/thought of the day:
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV). ( See More Great Verses )
Another great and very relevant scripture (Thanks Hexy & Tolu!):
Proverbs 22:29 – “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”
Have a wonderful week everyone!!
Much Love, Blessings & Appreciation,
Bomi Jolly
Don’t go yet:)! I think you’ll also enjoy:
- God, What Are You Doing???
- No, He’s Not a Girl!!!
- Pace Setter
What a lovely message. I would have wished to know more about her. why she does that everyday. Diligence is paramount.
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing these important reminders Bomi!
Thanks Bomi. I can relate with this post. I have a lady in the blue jacket I’m thinking about right now actually.
lovely
thanks for inspiring me to ‘be’ a lady in the blue jacket!!! and thank God for your lady in the blue jacket and the ‘ladies in blue jackets’ the world over! May we all be truly diligent….Amen!
@Kehinde – Diligence indeed is paramount!! May we always remember.. I keep kicking myself for not going up to her sooner – Wish I could have gotten to know her better too!! I hope I meet her again, but if I don’t, she’s definitely left a legacy for me and hopefully many others reading this too!! Thanks a lot sis!
@ Tayo – Thank you very much! I appreciate it… So glad it was good for you.
@ Titi – Please go talk to your lady in blue jacket as soon as you can!:)! Don’t wait too long like I did… Thanks a lot Titi! glad you liked it!
@Toyin – aww thank you!! Truly, thank God for the countless ladies in blue jackets all around the world, touching people in big ways and little ways every day. God bless them! And yes yes yes I pray we can be ladies in blue jackets too!! Amen to that, with God’s help! Amen… Thank you Toyin!
How inspirational! Beautiful! Thank you for sharing!!
Blessings to you and your loved ones!!
Thank God you recognized an Angel standing by. God usually send Angels to inspire us, mostly the people around us through spoken and unspoken words, attitude or a smile but we really get too busy to notice.
Nice one. Maybe there is something in her blue jacket (looking at the possibility of getting one this weekend). I kid, I kid
Really inspiring for me (the diligence part), cos the watchword for me this year has been Prov 22:29 “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Though it hasn’t been smooth sailing, I’m sure if I keep at it, I’ll be the diligent dude worthy of standing/sitting with kings…that itself is diligence (sense, I make?)
I can only hope I inspire people by the way.
There are very few people who look around and (stop to smell the roses) appreciate the nature, others and what is going on around them. Let alone learning a lesson from what they have observed. May the good Lord keep sharpening your inner senses and may you continue reminding us of all that spices life.
@Karen – Thanks so much for your very kind words! Many Blessings to you and your loved ones too! Thank you..
@Adenike – You are absolutely right… Angels are all around us, every day!! Thank God for Angels in blue jackets, yellow jackets, black jackets and no jackets too! Thanks a lot Adenike:)!
@HexyDre – LOOOL!! Good point – maybe it is her blue jacket right? Hmmmm… lol!! And you are certainly making a lot of sense… may we all be diligent dudes amen!! lol… makes sense to me! Thanks HexyDre… and you are certainly an inspiration to me and many others – I thank God for you! & Thanks for the scripture – I included it in the note. Stay blessed Hexy! And let me know if u ever do buy that blue jacket;)! I’d like to borrow it…
@Anonymous – Amen, amen and amen. Thank you so much for your very thoughtful prayers. I pray the same for you and indeed for everyone reading this…Amen!! Thanks A!
This is lovely, thank God for such beautiful angels around us and I pray we can be the same to others when necessary. Bless you Bomi.
.-= Myne Whitman´s last blog ..How long since you caught up with Iphey? =-.
Its the first time i read your message and i like it, inspire me, my native lenguage is spanish but i know a 80% english so excuse me if i dont write correctly, about this message i would like to know what happen with the blue jacket lady?
as i read through this article, thots of many ladies in blue jackets that have passed through my life fills my mind too, some i have walked up to and some i hope to one day.
Bomi, i pray you see the woman again. beautiful piece as always
Need I say more about your intuitive nature and ability to learn things from all things of life? You have time and time again demonstrated this attribute with all of your notes. I am greatly challenged each time I read from you and as for procrastination, it is opportunity’s natural assassin ( not my quote, it is borrowed.)
Thanks.
@Myne – Thank you much much Myne!! Amen to that – I pray we can be the same to others when necessary! Amen… ! Thanks a lot Myne! Bless you too Angel!:)!
@Sandra – Thanks so so much for taking the time to read the note today. Don’t worry I understand you perfectly…:)! Thanks for asking that question, you know what, I’m not sure what happened to the blue jacket lady. I am hoping she is fine, hoping she is just taking her walks in a different location now. I will be sure to let you/others know if I see her again! Thanks again Sandra! God bless!
@Femme – Thank God for all the ladies in blue jackets in all our lives!! I know I have several too… I really pray I see her again soon! Maybe I’ll put up a poster in the neighborhood? I don’t know lol. But I hope I see her again. Thanks for hoping along with me:D. I’d also love to tell her how many people she has inspired! Thank you very much Femme!
@Anietie!:)! – So glad we can all challenge and sharpen each other – I know how much you’ve challenged me too! Thanks for that quote – I love it! I pray we don’t let procrastination assassinate our opportunities! I pray we our diligent with our time and with everything else we’ve been given! Amen. thanks very much Anietie!! Appreciate it:)!
what a powerful message!!!!!! tk God for u. God bless u
This was such a wonderful insight. My dad once sent me a text message with the Proverbs 22:29 scripture. Thanks for this, rather enlightening and encouraging.
.-= Jaycee´s last blog .."The Last One is the Bad One": True Celebrities VII =-.
Indeed inspiring! Life is both precious and fragile and waits for no one. Opportunities are God’s blessings to be seized with all diligence. I do love the story and the message. Great job! Thanks for sharing…..
@Layo – Thank you so much, God bless you too!!
@Jaycee – The Proverbs 22:29 scripture is indeed a great and extremely relevant one. Very relevant in every aspect of our lives in fact. May we always remember. Thanks again Jaycee!
@Lespaul – Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment…I completely agree with you on the fragility of life – even though it’s so easy to forget! And I love the play on those two key words – Opportunities and Diligence , re “Opportunities are God’s blessings to be seized with all diligence.” So true!!! Thanks a lot for sharing!! Much appreciated.
Those things your experience reminded you of are things I need to be reminded of – so thanks for sharing
.-= Tracy´s last blog ..Doubts of Faith – Hell =-.
Thanks a lot for this. I mean, am really really grateful.
Some of the painful things I have experienced are the “hellos” and “good byes”, I didn’t say, and will never have the opportunity to do so, again in life.
I have challenged myself to seize every moment and make it good and happy for others and myself and this note has really encouraged me,the more.
You are one of my “ladies in blue jackets”
Thanks a lot. God bless
Wasn’t so sure I wanted to read again after some long days of focussing on some long technical words. I must say, I was inspired beyond what I expected. God bless u! I only wonder, when does diligence become workaholism? Sometimes the results though note-worthy don’t just measure up to the satisfaction expected from them?
@Tracy – That’s great to know! Glad you found these reminders useful. Thank you Tracy!
@ Tobi – I know what you mean…so many unsaid words.. lost opportunities… but like you I am certainly trying to be much more aware now! And aww thanks Tobi! I am truly honored… !:)! You are such a blessing! Many thanks once again.
@Olufemi – Thank you for taking the time to read after your long days of focusing/studing… Wish you all the best as you study/explore more of those technical words! Hmm… good question re diligence vs workaholism . A good reminder that in being diligent, we also need to remember to always strike a balance, not neglecting many important things just to accomplish one thing…. Thanks a lot Olufemi! Appreciate it.
You have just been to me what the “lady in the blue jacket” has been to you! Seriously, I am very encouraged to stay focused and look ahead
Blessings on you and the family! Hugs
Thanks Bomi!
Thanks that was great a word in due season.
@Maxine aww!! What a blessing! This whole thing is just reminding me of what can happen when we decide to take the steps we know we should… The lady in blue did her part and now we are all reaping the benefits. God bless her wherever she is=)!! Thank you very much Maxine! Many blessings to you and your family too!! Mega Hugs!!!
@Tayo , Stephanie – Thanks a lot!! it’s really great to know you found this useful and relevant. Thank you! Enjoy the rest of your week and God bless!
I really d not read blogs…but I don’t really know why i keep paying attention to urs… Great piece. I’m smiling now. How’s d family?
I really d not read blogs…but I don’t really know why i keep paying attention to urs… Great piece. I’m smiling now. How’s d family?
The lady in the blue jacket probably has sisters all over the world, for over the past few weeks I have been meeting people who have encouraged me and lifted my spirits and have made me aim higher when I would rather go to bed and sleep:)
So Bomi thanks for being a lady in the blue jacket to me!
very inspiring, there’s always a lady in blue around everyone of us, silent, yet pointing us in the right direction, just as we are that lady in blue to someone else.
great piece!! Bomi, already thinking about mailing it to pips around me, waiting for permission though.
Thanks alot. God Bless you….
@Cee-Y – LOL!! I’d like to think it’s God that keeps bringing you back lol!! Please keep coming, don’t wonder why…please just keep coming, reading and sharing as you’ve done:)! lol! It’s good to know this made you smile. We are all doing great thanks a lot for asking! Hope all is well with you and yours too! Thanks again Cee-y!
@Tomi!! That’s so wonderful to hear! it’s heartwarming to be reminded that ladies in blue jackets are all over the country, and in fact all over the world! They are not only in Michigan lol… !
Thank you Thank you Thank you Tomi!!
@Mide – Thank you so much! yes…all around us… the ladies in blue are there… in their ever so quiet strength! Amazing. Thanks a lot Mide, please feel free to share with anyone you’d like to share it with – absolutely, with pleasure! Links are conveniently located under the post – under “Share the love”… eg the first icon will let you email this article to your friends, and the second will let you share it conveniently on facebook. Thanks again Mide!! God bless you too=)!
This is such a beautiful piece. I can honestly say that I am inspired by it. Somehow, I suddenly feel the need to be more diligent in every aspect of my life. As usual, thank you for the beautiful article. I hope you get to see the lady in the blue jacket again. It’s amazing how God uses strangers to teach us lessons sometimes.
Have a blessed day!
xoxo
That was beautiful Bomi. It assures me that people notice our kindness even when it seems to have gone acknowledged. I now believe i can be a silent blessing too in someone elses life.
I enjoy dis article $ i love it so much
Great stuff Bomi.God bless you for reminding us these essential tit bits that make life better.you are blessed.
You give us something to think about with your notes.i really pray you get to see this woman again.i pray she’s fine.its good to go about our everyday life with diligence we never know whose life we will impact or are impacting. keep being a blessing as you have always been Bomi.God bless you dia.
@Sore – aww, that’s so wonderful to hear that you’ve been inspired to be more diligent in every aspect of your life! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate it. Truly, God can use anything and anyone to teach us lessons. Have a blessed day too Sore! Thank you!
@ Preethi – Thank you so much Preethi! Yes, people do notice. They do! And I love the way you put it –“Silent blessing” – I love it… May we all be “silent blessings” to everyone we come in contact with! Amen!! Thank you Preethi!!
@ Adunbarin – I’m so glad to hear this note was good for you. Thank you very much for taking the time to read it. Thank you Adun!!
@Penny – It’s great how we all remind each other, encourage each other and help each other grow. Everyone has something else to contribute to another’s well being… thank God for the opportunity. Thanks a lot Penny! Blessings to you and yours!
@ Nike – I really pray she’s fine too! I don’t even want to consider the alternative
. So true, we just never know whose life we may touch by the seemingly little things we do. Thank you so much Nike. God bless you!!!
ur words of inspiration will never cease.God will enrich u d more.dont worry ur the blue jacket of ur life is not gone 4ever.nice write up.love to read more.
this is a very beautiful story full of great lessons. i really love it Bomi. God bless u.
Good one… really inspiring!
@Titilola – Thanks so much for the thoughtful and kind prayers. I appreciate it, yes please coming back to read more, I pray there will always be something to share by God’s grace! Amen! Thank you Titi!
@Stella – So glad to hear you found the story/lessons useful, that is always very encouraging to hear. Thanks Stella. I know God will continue to give us all opportunities to learn and grow every day. Thank you Stella! God bless you:)!
@Toni – Thank you so much!:)!
Many blessings on you and yours Bomi, thanx a bunch its definitely God’s reminder to be to stay focused n diligent on the part His called mi too as rite now am quite distracted n worried abt d cares of this world.
Thanks again n God bless you mightily, God help us all to stay diligent n focused, perserveance rain, sun or moon.
like the woman with the issue of Blood and the woman who kept going to the wicked judge for justice………..have a fab week n love to the fam
Lovely piece sis! And it is ever so true. A friend and I were just talking about this last night, on how our actions, no matter how little, always tells a big story to our ‘unseeming’ audience, who we may not even be aware of. And yes, we should always seize the moment to do what we’ve planned to do, before that opportunity passes us by. I do hope and pray you get to see your “Blue” friend one more time, so you can let her know how her life has unknowingly been an inspiration to you, and probably drop a line or two about the endless love of our Father. I would remember these words myself. (Besides, I love the title of this article! It’s snazzy!!!) God bless you real good sis! Love you loads! xxx
Bomi,
I cannot but marvel at how you pick your seemingly simple topics and make massive, meaningful and inspirational lessons out of them
This is good, and it is God!
May divine inspiration continue to well up in you in Jesus’ name
Keep up the good work and surely the sky is the limit!
@Yetunde – Thanks so much Yetunde. I love how God always takes the time to remind us about stuff. Even when he’s told us before. He keeps telling us again and again. I certainly echo your prayers…May God help us all to stay diligent and focused, come what may!! Thanks Yetunde…My love to everyone!!
@Toju – In fact, I think we will start a lady in blue fan club very soon:)! In honor of the Lady in blue! Mayokun on FB is already planning the attire – sky blue dresses for ladies and light blue shirts for men=)! But seriously..will be sure to let her know how her life has inspired me and many others if I ever get another opportunity to do so! I will certainly remember these words too… Thank you so much sis!! Much love!!!
@Mr Ajayi – Thanks so much for your very kind and thoughtful words and prayers… they are truly encouraging. Thank you and Amen… Thank you very much. Have a very blessed day, many blessings to you and yours!
nyc 1… Lets alwz endeavour 2 let pple know how important dy are while they r still around… I hope u find her one of these days 2 let her know how much she has inspired u & how she has become one of our topics on jolly notes…… And 2 my other jolly note fans, this is to remind us 2 alwz appreciate,acknowlege,encourage,support & pray 4 our jolly note initiator,writer,producer & editor – Bomi Jolly. Ur an inspiration 2 us. We love & appreciate ur gud work…. Well done dia
It’s amazing how God sometimes uses the smallest (and almost unnoticeable) things to illustrate the most profound truths…I’m glad I read this post because it’s just the instruction I need for today (that I shouldn’t give up!)…Thanks Bomi for sharing this timely piece, I’m encouraged.
.-= Lola´s last blog ..A Thirsty Heart =-.
This story reminds me to always tell people what they mean to me and how they’ve affected me. I need to seize the moment more often, for their presence is not guaranteed tomorrow. They might move away or something and they’ll never know the power of their smile, kind words, diligence and how I’ve drawn strength from their everyday actions. Thanks, Bomi, for reminding me.
@Kinkimo – Key words…”while they are still around” – like you said! It’s so easy to imagine things will always remain the same… that things will never change. Thanks Kinkimo…Love and appreciate you too, very very much!! and I really do appreciate everyone taking the time to read and share! I know we are all busy so I really appreciate it. I trust that God will always use us all to bless each other. Amen! Thanks again!:)!
@Lola – God is amazing..isn’t He… so glad to hear this was useful for you, I’m very glad. This morning as I got up to get a glass of water.. I was planning my day and some of the words in this note as well as several comments people had made kept playing in my head. They helped reinforce some things and help me make some quick decisions this morning…it’s God. Thank you again Lola! Have a great weekend!
@Ife – It’s such a blessing for me to hear that this has been useful for you. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and share. I really appreciate it. I pray that we will all keep growing in our walk with God. Thanks again:)