I heaved another sigh as I turned off the radio and got out of the car. The oppressive hot Texas weather blasted me—and it was October. But climate change, according to what I had just heard from certain politicians, doesn’t exist. The latest political news successfully squeezed the last possible ounce of compassion right out of my heart. Day after damn day, the barrage of inhumane decisions, mean-spirited tactics, lies, and arrogant bipartisan news, crushed my spirit and my belief that this country could ever dig out from under the current administration’s loveless assault. We were on zero common ground.
“Let them all rot,” I said under my breath as I grabbed my shopping bag and headed into Target for prescriptions and some last minute clothes I needed for an upcoming trip.
Still pondering the depressing broadcast, I mindlessly grabbed a couple of tops and tossed them into my cart. On a mission, I barreled down the main aisle to get to the pharmacy department. My eyes were laser-focused on my immediate path since making eye contact with other shoppers seemed senseless. What was the point? We were all doomed. The world was, as they say, going to hell in a hand-basket.
Eyes on the floor as if I were scanning it for lost change, a tiny person—I’m guessing maybe 13-14 months old—came into my purview. This short passer-by, albeit slowly, was heading in my direction, forcing eye contact. I slowed down my pace as he continued to toddle toward me. His pregnant mother passed me with her cart, and the dad was patiently waiting for the kiddo to follow the mom. Regardless of my rotten mood, the little fellow’s enormous brown eyes invited a smile from my lips.
What was I to do? I said hi. Although he never spoke, he also never took his eyes off me. Dad said, “Hey Timmy, we need to catch up to mama.”
“Well, Timmy,” I said as I leaned down to tousle his shiny brown hair, “You sure are a cutie-pie. But I doubt if I’m doing anything you’d find fun this afternoon. Probably best to stick with your mom and dad.”
I turned the corner, headed for the pharmacy and took one brief glance back at Timmy. He had momentarily looked up at dad, but was continuing to follow me. I stopped and stood still as he ambled over to me.
He slowly laid his cheek against my leg and gently hugged it.
Tears in my eyes, I looked up at his beaming father and admitted, “He just made my day. You have no idea… Thanks.”
Dad retrieved Timmy and walked over to his waiting wife. We three shared a smile.
What just happened? I didn’t know the couple’s religious beliefs, their political bent or upbringing. And they didn’t know mine. At that moment, it wasn’t relevant. That particular moment held a universal message.
A little love goes a long way.
When I least expected it, a small child, by a simple act of love, reminded me, like it or not, we are all connected. We are not helpless and things are not hopeless. Difficult as it may be, I needed to remain in community with those around me, and care about my community at large.
I am not helpless and things are not hopeless. Ask Timmy. Without uttering a word, he created the common ground we all need and reminded me to stay connected and care. He made a difference and in doing so made me want to do my part to make a difference.
Needless to say, I smiled at the pharmacy tech when I picked up the prescriptions.
Jeanne, this is a beautiful story! When I go to store, I deliberately make eye contact and smile at certain people. I think it’s because I feel so alone and out of touch with others. As you said, the daily news in this country is almost unbearable. I pray that we can change the situation in the years to come.
Thanks, Leslie. As is said, we can be the change. Our steps may be small, but each one is important. Better to keep the faith than not. You keep smiling that smile of yours.
Magdalaena Rushinera Feb 5, 2018 The love of a little child is all it takes to heal the world. Such a beautiful story and lesson for all of us. We are the ones we have been waiting for—–a wonderful quote to remember—-and the little child saw YOU!.
Thanks, Magda. It was quite a lesson.
Oh dear Jeanne, what a glorious window to the Kingdom of Love. Thank you so much for writing about this. Timmy and his family were certainly angels of love and sharing that day!
Thanks for taking the time to read it, Jan. Love’s a pretty wonderful thing…
Jeanne you are a pretty wonderful woman because you are so filled with love. And you so readily share it.
Jeanne, how can I share this? This story just made my day, and I know it will break the bonds of discouragement for many!
Hi, Jan. I saw that you had shared on FB. Thanks for sharing your own words of encouragement by doing so.
In our present chaotic, insane political world, these gorgeous words bring me to still waters and I’m deeply grateful. Thank you, Jeanne.
Thank you, MJ!
OKAY JEANNE! this made me weep and I didn’t know I needed that. But how incredibly blessed I feel, to weep with an overflow of meaning and joy and tenderheartedness, instead of with discouragement and yearning to change the world so I can feel more comfortable in it. I love you, dear friend. And I think I will try harder to find time to come to your gathering, though I am so full right now of meaningful things to do, I didn’t think I needed one more reunion with dear friends like you and those “new friends” i know I will be attracted to if I show up for another of Jeanne Guy’s gatherings! BTW – I was using my finger labyrinth in meditation yesterday, cherishing its hand made “quilted” beauty – and I realized I’d forgotten the name of your friend in my ReStory group who made them for us one year. Can you remember and send it to me? I’d love to thank her – it has been a steady blessing to me for years now. Much much love today, Jeanne. Nathalie
Nathalie! You are an inspiration in your own right. Your words made my heart happy. I’ll send you an email with the name of the finger labyrinth artist. Much love to you.
“Out of the mouth of babes” or in this case, from the hug of a babe we can remain connected in love. Like you, I have found our current political climate to be senseless, almost as though it’s not worth fighting to salvage. But children, babies especially, have yet to be infected with xenophobia and sexism and perversion. They sleep, eat, poop, and love … and I’m glad you were on the receiving end of Timmy’s love that day.
So true, Rosemary. And the Timmys of the world will save us – at least point us in the right direction. Thanks for your comments.