Meaning in Everyday Places
There’s a strange little inconvenience at my bank: I can’t transfer money between two specific accounts using the banking app. Once or twice a month, I have to physically walk inside to do something that should take ten seconds online. It sounds annoying—maybe even ridiculous—but that small inconvenience has turned into something unexpected. Because every time I step through those doors, I’m reminded that ordinary places and brief conversations can quietly teach us about gratitude, connection, and how much more we might be able to give.
the bank ladies
I really like the ladies who work at the bank. They’re cheerful and respectful, and we usually share a laugh over silly little things, like why the water stream at their water fountain seems to trip up my kids every time we use it, which is not too often, but often enough to laugh about it.
When I visit the bank, it’s fast and simple, and since it’s close to the kids’ school and my work, it’s not a big hassle.
This week when I went in, I saw the youngish newbie, a gal I’ll call Cecile, who started working there more recently. She is quick as a whip and wildly artistic. Her workspace is covered in neat drawings, like the pencil sketch she has of an eyeball, and a drawing of little geometric patterns that come together in a pile of blacks and whites. A whiteboard at the front of the bank offers suggestions for investing, all illustrated with colorful fonts and graphics. Of course, I asked if she’d drawn that, and it was quickly confirmed.
A quiet reminder of PRIVILEGE
Cecile greeted me per usual, with a bright smile and sign of recognition, which just completely makes my day. I like greeting people by name and have them do the same for me.
“How were the holidays?” I wanted to know.
Cecile was sweet and brief. Everything was nice. She was glad for a little break.
Then, she asked a question that surprised me.
“Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas?”
I laughed at the question, not meaning to be rude. I was fairly stunned to be asked this. I don’t think about Christmas that way anymore— about getting things I’ve asked for. Hubs and I still exchange, some years plenty, other years very little, but we generally get what we need throughout the year and don’t save up for too many drastic surprises at Christmas.
“Well,” I said, “at my age, all I really want for Christmas is a cup of tea to sip on my couch with a good book. I want just a minute of quiet to sit and read, since our life is always so busy. And I was able to get that.”
“Good,” Cecile said.
“And what about you?” I said. “What did you really want?”
Her answer shocked me. I know that this is Cecile’s first year out of school after graduating from high school. The bank is her first real job, and I know she’s living at home, working hard to contribute at home.
“I wanted a warmer coat,” she said. “And I got that, so I was really happy.”
A reminder to serve
Her answer just sort of stopped me in my tracks. I don’t think I’ve ever wished or prayed for a warmer coat. I’ve always just had one. I stared at that sweet, smart, lovely young lady and just thought, “Wow, I wish I did more for others. I wish I could do more all the time.”
I don’t always know what to do or how to do it. But waiting for December 25th for warmth seemed startling to me.
I thanked Cecile for her time and help, as always, and I left the bank.
But this year, I’ll spend a little more time asking others what they need or want. Because sometimes, likely more often than not, I can help more than I am. I can inquire, chat, learn, and alter what I’m doing. I can learn to better serve the community.
Tell me what you’re doing in your community! Share the info, friends. Namaste
#GratitudePractice #EverydayMoments #CommunityConnection #SimpleConversations #HumanStories
#ReflectiveWriting #PersonalEssay #MindfulLiving #QuietLessons #LifeReflections
#GivingBack #ServingOthers #EmpathyInAction #SeeingPeople #KindnessMatters
#OrdinaryLife #MeaningfulMoments #SlowDown #IntentionalLiving
4 the Love of Peace 