My Very Own Miracle.
An afternoon spent at the temple of Mammon otherwise known as Ealing Broadway Shopping centre. The place was packed with harassed shoppers carrying huge bags full of boxes, presents and toys. It was more like a dodgem stall than a shopping centre as we blundered into other people, caught by huge bags twisted round hands white with the imprints of thin, cruel handles. Parents dragged small children through the shops, with admonishments of not to touch, not to stray, not to wander. Teenagers hung round corners, chatting with their friends and young lovers scowled with frowns of disappointment as their beloveds didn't telepathically pick out what they wanted for Christmas.
The windows were bright with sale signs, reduced signs and so-called great bargains for Christmas. A feast of joy and birth has become almost completely overcome by mercenary greed or so I thought. For today, I saw a miracle of sorts, an event that brought home to me what Christmas is really about.
In the centre of the mall corridor, surrounded by shops, a little girl was being dragged by her parents. She must have only been about three and was completely oblivious to the chaos around her. Her eyes were fixed on the blue flashing lights twisted round a wreath of holly on the roof. She pointed, she stared and she gasped at what, for her, was sheer beauty. Her parents, harassed by an undone shopping list told her off for dawdling and I? I smiled at her. Her complete fascination for the ordinary decorations made me think that this is really what Christmas is about. The wonder, whatever religion you are, for the beauty that Mankind can create. The astonishment at a miracle, which must have been what those wise men felt, so long ago.
For me, it took a child to show me the way. Today, that unknown child, that little toddler was my guiding star and my very own miracle.
Minerva
10 comments:
You have just very beautifully illustrated why the bible says that "a little child shall lead them." We become so jaded, distracted, and hard to fascinate as we grow into adulthood. Perhaps we all would have a much more magical Christmas if we attempted to see it through the eyes of a child.
I loved this. I actually always have enjoyed christmas shopping. I am there to get things for the ppl I love. I have always tryed to make a point to put my best atitude forward, even when the ppl around you are not of the same mood lol...I always wish any cashier or person who helped me with a Merry Christmas...I very RARELY hear anyone else do that in their rush. Many of my friends laugh at me, (Oh you and Your Merry Christmas to everyone!) I hear over and over again. I have even had my pic taken with santa, in the Mall...when I was 39 yrs old! (and as a child ofcourse lol) I convinced a very good friend to do it with me, she was visiting from out of town, and I thought it would be a terrific rememberance for us both, and Santa quite enjoyed himself lol. I love the lovely decorations and think of the efforts made to put them all out. IT's why I especially liked this post ...through the eyes of the little girl....what a pity she was rushed through her enchanted visions.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Dear Minerva...This truly was a miracle for you.
In that vast mass of humanity scurrying here and there, this little girl was brought to you and you were able to smile at her!
It seems that there were two people in that mall at least that were appreciating the true spirit of Christmas.
Isaiah 11:6
... and a little child shall lead them.
Love Terry
Beautifully written, Minerva, and yes, we all need a miracle, everyday. I am glad you found yours today.
I have a friend who told me once that I should re-read "The Little Prince", that although most consider it a children's book, it really isn't!
She was right, as she always is about so many things.
We need to see with new eyes on occasion; you have been wonderful at helping remind me of that. I am glad the gift was returned to you!
alan
This was a heart warming post. how true that we should look with the eyes of a child.
My own dear little grandchildren (aged 1 & 4)have re-opened my eyes for me - they too look with such wonder and amazement at everything around them. It's such a pleasure to hear the older one say: "Nana - just look at this ..."
Hi Min - I love watching children around the Christmas lights.....
I have photos of 'The Swan' on my blog now.....
cq
The most precious moments of life happen when a child is born and the miracle of birth overwhelms our hearts with profound and utterly astonishing joy.
It is through the ever wondering eyes of a child lighting up our lives and lifting our spirits that remind us of precious moments.
A wonderful observation indeed. I am often grateful for my children as their way of seeing the world is forever opening my eyes to the wonder and amazement in the everyday. I've always appreciated life but until I had kids I never really saw the world as the wonder it really is.
Kids make Christmas that much better. I'll forever hold their wonder in m heart and savour the season and sights in a whole new way. I'm glad you have had a moment to see the wonder yourself as it is far too easy to lose sight of it in the bustle.
Minerva: I feel this SAME way too about Christmas. I think (for me) it enables me to keep the inner child alive and able to relate to that precious little girl you described. So, what I love most is the lights, the decorations, the wonder of it all, but especially the anticipation on children's faces! :)
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