[pullquote align=”left” background=”on”]The two hardest tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter. – Paulo Coelho[/pullquote]

I watched a young mother scold her child yesterday evening.

In exasperation she shouted, “I hate when you act this way.”

Instantly, I saw that look in her eyes – desperately searching for the means to take back those words which can never be unsaid.

I think we’re all guilty of this every now and again, words slipping out as emotion settles in…and never enough of a pause to think, the type of wound harsh words may leave.

Words are such a funny thing, aren’t they? We end up holding onto those spoken in haste, and holding back those most needed to be shared.

“It’s alright, my darling…”

“Everything will be ok…”

Or, how about a “please” and  a “thank you”, now and again? Or, perhaps even a “Have a nice day…”?

Sadly, it seems, I hear the wrong words all too often – instances where patience has faded, into the rushing jumble of all that surrounds us.

And, as I turned to cast my “Mama Bear” two cents – I couldn’t help but to laugh at the sight. For, standing in the midst of a monstrously big heap – stood a young child with the wild hair and just the sweetest of grins. You see, she had just pulled down a rather large colorful display of all of her most favorite cereal boxes.

“Mommy, look at me…” she smiled broadly, and so full of pride. You see, at the tender of age of ‘not yet 3’ – this wasn’t a mess, it was a surprise!

I mean, really…who could resist?

Certainly, not I – as I fought the urge to tug at the second row of boxes just directly behind it.

Colorful cereal boxes are one of my many weaknesses…

I couldn’t help but to think of my own Mother as I was growing up, and how many times she must have faced a fantastically similar scene. It’s not easy raising a small child, with quick hands and a relentless sense of curiosity. I would offer it might require the patience of a Saint ~ and a rather large stash one’s favorite headache remedy.

But, always she was so very mindful of her words – always knowing just how very far the lesson of words might go.

From her, I learned the importance of a perfectly placed pause – and the value of letting a child’s innocence through.

“I hate when you act this way…”

Oh, how the stench of those words still hung in the air…as I watched this young Mother hang her head deep in despair…regretting already that which couldn’t be unsaid…

But, just as the tears began to form in her eyes –  this beautiful little child sidled up to say,

“It’s ok Mommy…I love you anyway.”

You see, when we’re able to let a child’s innocence through – it might just be that we end up learning a lesson or two.

And so, this was the lesson we all learned that day – to love, no matter what, and in spite of our day.

Much love, my dears…