My "Venti, Bold, No Room" Moments

Sometimes it is the smallest events that truly make my day.
I may be simple minded, easily entertained, or maybe—just maybe—I am learning to live in the moment, to appreciate it more; a tremendous goal of mine.

Today, as I treated myself to a trip to Starbucks (a rare occasion, but much needed after this week), I stood in the obnoxiously long line behind a man with whom, by first glance, I thought I had just one thing in common. He was a runner--literally just wrapping up a run--as am I.

But lo and behold, as he made his way to the front of the line, he confidently ordered a “Venti, Bold, No Room”. Now, for all of you Starbucks lovers out there, it would be of little importance that the customer in front of you spoke in “Starbucks lingo” and ordered your drink. BUT, as previously mentioned, I do not frequent this coffee shop, and so did not know how to order my drink "in lingo".

I do now. Thank you, Random Runner/Man with good coffee taste!

My small accomplishment of today is I no longer have to fumble over my coffee order, answering superfluous questions about cream and sugar from the barista.

Yesterday, coming off an extremely introspective and self-analyzing mood, I walked in to an after school program for underprivileged elementary students (a volunteer assignment I had signed up for). As I stepped in to the classroom, several little girls flocked to my side and smothered me in hugs. They wanted to know all about my life, and, likewise, wanted to share every detail of theirs. They were so sweet, inquisitive, and genuine. The minute I walked in, I was flooded with a feeling of gratitude to these little kids. They represent all that is right with the world. They are full of hope, love and faith in what is good.

Yesterday, by stepping outside of my normal routine and taking time to talk to some adorable children, I was, in return, rewarded with the perspective of a child. They truly live in the moment, and they give with everything that they have. A concept that is so easily lost in the throes of the “real world”. These kids were able to pull me out of my introspection, and remind me that there are more important things than focusing on myself, or my fleeting problems.

I am thankful for these little moments. These asides from the normalcy in my day are what cause me to grow. To be thankful for what I have, to see other people in their situations more clearly. My prayer is that I never grow too busy, too focused on myself, to appreciate the people and the happenings around me. I genuinely hope each day to pause long enough to help someone else—or myself—to take time to appreciate the smallest detail, or the simplest joy.