Reverence
I stand at the counter, pouring a cup of coffee while Zeca stands on her step stool next to me. I get ready to pour cream into my cup and she asks if she can stir. Today is a good day – I don’t feel crowded by her presence, am not concerned about spills or messes. I notice her hands resting near mine, so small but capable, and I am touched by her pleading smile. I tell her that she can stir and she excitedly grabs the spoon and waits. I pour the cream and we both stare into the cup, watching as the white swirls with dark brown. We stand silently and without moving until I ask, “What does it look like to you?” I ask this even though I know her answer will be “clouds”. She doesn’t look up, doesn’t take her eyes from the coffee, and says, “Mama…it looks like magic”. It’s a small moment but many of the best moments are.
I hurry through my days, ticking off the things that I must do. There is time for work or family and friends or self but not always enough time for everything. Some days, I simply want to get through the day and get the kids to bed so that I can have some time to myself. In my rush, I know that I miss many of these small moments and I have to learn to treat myself with kindness, to forgive myself for getting lost sometimes. I am grateful, though, for those times when my mind is still and I too can see the magic in a cup of coffee. This is the gift a child can give – reverence for the ordinary.
Posted: April 15th, 2009 under Uncategorized.
Comments
Comment from Katherine
Time April 15, 2009 at 12:49 pm
You know what? You and Luisa and Zeca and Miguel make me want to have my own kids.
Comment from Angie
Time April 15, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Beautiful, and just the reminder I needed this week. Thanks.
Comment from leigh
Time April 15, 2009 at 1:03 pm
thank you
Comment from Kelly
Time April 15, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Beautiful!
In reference to this time in our life with young children, my aunt always says “The days are long and the years are short.” So true. Thank god for those moments when children utter magic words and make time stand beautifully still.
Comment from Missy
Time April 15, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Magic indeed.
Comment from Meghan
Time April 15, 2009 at 6:03 pm
This made me tear up and get a lump in my throat. Kids just seem to see the sweetness in things that if we slow down, we get to see it, too. Thank you for writing this, Vikki. It is a wonderful reminder to be still and see the magic.
Comment from Mel
Time April 15, 2009 at 8:00 pm
I love your patience and ease with your life and yourself. It’s inspiring.
Comment from JessTrev
Time April 17, 2009 at 11:45 am
Noooooo! I’m an addict, I don’t *need* any more blogs to add to my Google reader. But this is too lovely. I knew if I followed that shiny, shiny hair comment over at Ali’s bean mess that I’d find good things.
Comment from sarah k
Time April 19, 2009 at 8:47 am
just what i needed to read.
Comment from Meg DeZutti
Time April 15, 2009 at 12:43 pm
beautiful!