Dear Friends,
The other day I witnessed a beautiful example of charity, patience and Christmas spirit. It seems like a simple example but I think those of us who witnessed it were affected deeply. We have a small local community post office. I love it during the holidays as I can usually breeze in and out without much of a line unlike the regular post office that often has lines out the door. The other day I visited this community post office and I was surprised when I walked in as there was a line to the door with several people waiting. There is usually only one postal clerk there at a time.
I noticed the postal clerk with a woman who seemed very scattered. She had several items all over the counter and was needing help with every step of mailing these items. And it also appeared she was trying to mail things internationally. I looked around and noticed that most of the people there seemed tight energetically and were a bit irritated. I have to say, I also felt a bit of irritation at this woman for not being more prepared and subsequently holding the rest of us up.
I looked at the wall and noticed a sign that instructed customers to be prepared when approaching the counter. This woman was obviously not ready at all. It was also nearing closing time. I had arrived 15 minutes before closing and I was just wanting stamps. This woman took up pretty much the entire rest of the shift and it was after closing before the rest of us were able to be served.
But here is what I wish to point out that touched my heart. Not once did I observe the postal clerk being irritated with this woman. This woman obviously was nervous and needed kindness. The clerk did not ever look up at the length of the line or the clock approaching her end of shift. She stayed pleasant, present and patient the whole time working with this customer. I was not feeling so gracious nor were other people in the line, I could tell
By the time the woman in front of me reached the clerk she kept telling her how much she appreciated the patience the clerk showed this woman. I could feel that this observation was deeply impactful to her. In fact, she kept telling the clerk over and over again how wonderful she was. I think this woman probably did not often experience that kind of patience from people in her own life. Even though it was after closing, the clerk maintained her pleasant demeanor with each one of us until we were all served.
Every day we have opportunities to either observe kindness, receive kindness or provide kindness to others. This mail clerk is an earth angel. She demonstrated to each one of us in line the beauty of compassion, patience and caring towards another. Some people might think of being a mail clerk as not a very important job. But that day, I witnessed how powerful and healing this job or any job can be when we interact with people. Not only did she provide healing towards this woman with her compassionate spirit she also healed each one of us in line. When we are in the energy of love we all benefit from it.
I feel most of the time I am a patient person with my friends, clients and people in general. However, the presence this mail clerk demonstrated towards this woman in need showed me how I allow my heart to close when I am feeling rushed and in a hurry. Since that encounter, I have been staying more patient and caring towards others paying closer attention to where I allow little annoyances affect me regarding other people’s behaviors. I have opened to the influence of this mail clerk to become a better person within my own life. I know for sure the mail clerk’s giving attitude also affected the woman in front of me and most likely others in the line.
I believe life is a mirror for us. When we observe things in other people that bother us there is most likely an area of judgement with something similar in our own lives. I can be hard on myself when I perceive myself as being disorganized. I can also be fearful of other people’s opinions if I appear disheveled, disorganized, or not prepared. I am using this example with the mail clerk and this beautiful customer to become not only more patient with other people but in addition, more patient with myself.
My wish for all of you during the rest of this holiday season and into 2018 is to embrace the love this mail clerk showed for this woman and extend this love out into the world and towards yourself. This is the true meaning of the Christmas and Holiday spirit and the greatest gift we can give to one another.
My other wish for all of you and myself included is to pay attention to every person you meet no matter what their background or vocation. The homeless man on the street may show you an example of unconditional love that he has for an animal companion. The grocery clerk may bring humor into the drudgery of your shopping after a long day. The garbage collector may take an extra moment to make sure your garbage can is standing upright.
In all of the situations above, know you are in the presence of an earth angel. They are here to teach you the true meaning of Love and the true meaning of the Christmas spirit extended into every day of the year and into all walks of life.
Namaste my beautiful friends,
Rosemary