I was beyond late. My to-do list had far more items on it than I could possibly accomplish before the deadlines. As I pushed myself, trying to work effectively and efficiently and prioritize the most critical items and steps to accomplish everything, I found myself in a store waiting for turn with the cash register. Off to my left, out of the corner of my eye, I caught something that did not fit.
Sitting on the edge of a shelf near the registers was a wonderfully composed five – six year old girl. In stark contrast to everyone else in the store, she was in a world of her own. She gently watched as her mom finished up her shopping and queue behind me. There was a serene sense of peace about her. She smiled and watched. It was as if she could see the bigger story that we are all in. She knew the context and the setting. She understood the wonderful of living, doing what you can, and letting go. I kept expecting another child or something to distract her. Nothing did.
I discreetly watched and entered a reflection of my own. What did she know that I had forgotten? Was there an insight in place view that I was blind to? She has something wonderfully wonderful.
As I walked out of the store I turned to watch in a way I would not be noticed. It was a lesson in meditation. Her focus and serenity transcended everything around her. It was as if I was watching a life study of David’s psalm; “We pondered your love-in-action, God, waiting in your temple.” (Psalm 48.9)
As I turned to renter the hectic chaos of the day I found that my walk had moved to the slow lane. Everything was different. There was time to reflect and think. The normal small pleasantries of the day became a treat instead of task.
I do not know the young girl’s name or if I will see her again. I know I am in her debt; thank-you sweet one.
