Knowing it would be a full day today, I start early. At 4:40 I wake to go to the Y for spin class. On my way home I decide to stop at the grocery store. Sure, there’s plenty to eat for breakfast – oatmeal, toast, cereal. But not the kids’ favorite waffles. As I pull into the parking lot of Shop N Save, I see a man with a flashlight going through the trash. I park and walk up to him.
“Sir, do you need something?” I ask.
Startled, he looks up with coke bottle glasses and a mouth full of decay. ”What? I’m deaf.”
“Would you like a coffee?” I over enunciate and use a hand motion too.
“Sure.”
When we go in I ask if I can pay for his coffee and donut at check-out. The barista cashier says yes and helps the gentleman. I hear him say, “I don’t even know that girl.” I smile.
I wonder if I was put in his path, or he in mine. Anyway, I am glad our paths crossed. It was a great way to begin the day – to give and to thank.
In my own microcosm of the macrocosm, how is one person eating out of the trash can and the other buying 6 organic waffles and a bag of clementines for $11.26? I can’t pretend to understand it. And, I want to be mindful of how I live and how I may be contributing to the inequities of the world.
Yes, we had breakfast items and I bought more. I live in the land of excess and I don’t want it to be assumed, entitled, or forgranted.
May I help my children to be thankful for everything we so easily take for granted, and be mindful of the way we live as to not cause suffering to others.
I am overwhelmed right now with the Oneness of life, the extraordinary in the ordinary, and my circle of influence.
Today is on purpose – a day of ordinary miracles, and I plan to see them in all their glory. May I accept all that has been given to me in order to better serve humanity.
To consciously role model a life of love, gratitude, & integrity;
to live passionately;
to instill a love of learning & adventure;
to leave a legacy of synergy in the name of love & peace.
God, grant me the courage to let go of the familiar and let me be of service to advance your kingdom of love.
Today I am patient, present, & purposeful.
Tags: begin with the end in mind, mindful living, purposeful life
