It’s been one of those days.
I overslept and was late for an important meeting this morning. That’s not good, considering I had to leave the meeting early to catch a flight.
Luckily, my tardiness came to an end and I was on time for my flight. Too bad it was canceled. (I’m famous for getting stranded in airports, but usually not on my first leg!) Four standbys, three security checks and six hours later… I find myself hanging out at the Tri-Cities airport, praying I can get to Memphis in time to speak at 7:00 tonight.
I’m cutting it close, but I’m not stressed. (Which is not like me!) Instead, I’m sitting back, enjoying the miracle of this moment. It’s one I probably would have missed had God not slowed-down my day. My ‘moment’ goes a little something like this…
In my consulting endeavors, I’ve met some incredible people from all walks of life. Weeks ago, I mentioned to one of those people--Harry-- how much I love ‘hearing people’s stories.’ Everyone has a story to tell. What would happen if we just took time to listen?
Harry recommended a book called, ‘Listening is an Act of Love.’ It’s a compilation of stories written by average, everyday Americans. To my surprise, Harry handed me the book as I frantically rushed out of the office this morning. I quickly said, ‘Thanks! I look forward to reading it.’ And… off I went.
Since I accrued some downtime today, I opened the book. I was starting the first chapter when a piece of paper fell out. On the paper was a letter, written to me.
Jessica… I have to share a story regarding the “Listening is an Act of Love Book.”
Let me start by retelling a fable I once heard. It seems there was this Christian Missionary living amongst tribal people and working with children rather deep in the jungles of Africa. On her birthday, one small eight year old gave her, as a gift, the most beautiful seashell. She was taken back… not so much by the shell’s beauty… but by knowing that they were at least two days journey from the nearest seashore. She knew that the little fellow must have trekked through the jungle for at least three if not four days to retrieve the shell. Upon expressing her dismay to the little fellow that he had endure so much danger and hard work on her behalf… he replied… “But teacher, the journey is part of the gift.”
It appears that “Listening is an Act of Love” will come out in paperback on October 28th. I know now that when a book is scheduled to come out in paperback, the store returns all unsold hardback copies to the publisher. I searched at no less than six bookstores for this book and finally found this one last and lonely hardback at a store in Christiansburg on Sunday. When I went to the info desk to inquire if they had additional copies, they informed me that all had been returned to the publisher and they were surprised that this copy was still on the shelf. As a matter of fact, one of the attendants seemed to be attempting to casually slide the book away from me when I quite assertively explained that this copy was leaving with me!!!
I know you will enjoy this book. And I have greatly enjoyed tracking it down for you… because the journey is part of the gift.
Harry
The journey is part of the gift…. I'm so grateful! What a sweet reminder of selflessness. Thank you, Harry! And to think, I very well could have missed this blessing.
And so I sit quietly in the Tri-Cities Airport, watching the planes fly over the colorful Tennessee Mountains, reading my new book and sipping on a coffee, (per usual). I still don’t have a confirmed flight. I’m still scheduled to speak in Memphis at 7:00. And, I’m still enjoying the miracle of this moment.
Steven Curtis Chapman sings it like this: “So breathe it in and breathe it out. Listen to your heartbeat. There’s a wonder in the here and now. It’s right there in front of you. And I don’t want you to miss the miracle of the moment.”
Are you enjoying the miracle of your moment?
