Gifts of the Day

Have you ever counted how many times a day you were given an unexpected gift? I've not counted, but I've certainly been gifted. Here are just a few - - -

A shy, beautiful smile from a young Czech girl across the aisle from me on the tram. She wasn't more than 5 or 6, she was very quiet, and when I happened to look her way, she was already looking at me. I don't know -- maybe it's that I do look funny wearing Birkenstocks with a heavy winter coat, maybe I look American even when I try very hard to fit in, or maybe she just knew that I would be charmed. I hope it was the latter. As soon as we made eye contact, she gave me a smile that seemed to come from a very private place way down inside her. It wasn't broad, it wasn't bold. It didn't fade quickly nor seem embarrassed to be seen. And it surely was real. What a gift!

Two lovely white birds (could they be doves?) resting on the bare black branches outside my wonderful big Czech window. They had their secret agreements -- when to come, how long to stay, when to go. But for those few moments, they brought life to a tree waiting patiently for a bit more sunshine and warmer weather. I have no idea who else may have been watching, but right then, they were mine.

Someone I scarcely know going out of her way to help locate some long-term accommodation for me. No reason, no payoff, no "extra points" with someone else. Just quietly writing a couple emails, then reporting on the results. It may have been a "give back." I know others have done that for her. But giving back and passing it on are more rare than any of us would wish. I received the gift, and I will pass it on.

Fat buds on a bush at the side of the tram tracks. What a promise! That cold wind WILL be replaced by spring, then summer, then fall, and once again they will have their sleep, then grace us all with a new promise. I do hope others will turn around for just one quick look. It isn't all dark, it can and will change.

The marvelous smile which welcomes me to breakfast each morning that I don't have an early class. How I wish I could speak Czech, could tell her what a gift her presence is in my day. And I'd love to hear the stories she must have to tell. If I could ask, I'm sure she'd say there weren't any that would be interesting. And I just know each of them would be. That little lady -- and she's very short and trim, probably also near my age -- really knows how to light up a room. She doesn't reserve the smile and the greeting for those who look as though they will return it. She almost dares you to keep a straight face. And very few do. When she says "dobre rano" (good morning, first thing in the day) she means it. Not only does she gift you with her smile, she follows it with coffee! What a way to start a day!

Each student who tells me how quickly the time has passed in our session together, whether it's 60 or 120 minutes. It is such hard work to think in another language that long! And then to say that it has seemed a short time. Wow! Makes me want to spend more time finding things I hope will be interesting, I trust will give them the progress they're seeking. And certainly makes me eager for the next session. I really didn't know it could be such a gift to begin again, to put all the past years together in a different way, in a different place.

It is a gift that I am able to share this marvelous adventure with you. Thank you for coming along with me. And especially this day -- look for the gifts in your life. When I turned the alarm off (not willingly, you may be sure) this morning, I never would have guessed one day could be so full of wonder and grace. I'm wishing the same for you