Holy Moments, Jokes and Ice Cream

     I recently saw a sign that read, BE THE CHANGE. I contemplated this for a few days. What kind of change could I make? Spanx have already been invented. Teeth whitening gels are readily available. Wrinkle creams are on every store shelf. Then a voice asked, “How superficial are you today, Anne?”

    I mean seriously, I’m just one person. I can barely remember where I left my wallet half the time. And let’s not talk about that grocery list of six items that I left on the counter. When I get home with eight bags of food, but not the six things on my list. I don’t think anyone would ever entrust me to change the world.

     And then two friends gifted me Matthew Kelly’s book titled “Holy Moments” for my birthday. Guess what! Matthew Kelly believes that we can all change the world moment by moment! He has such faith in people. Let me share his beliefs with you.

     He asks, Do you ever find yourself thinking:

“There must be more to life?”

“I have so much to offer.” 

“Something is missing.”

When you pay attention to your soul speaking, everything changes. Slow down and listen. He believes that moment by moment, little actions will cause ripple effects around the world. Imagine a string of these moments engaging across the world.

     I am a big fan of little. I like tiny moments: a smile, a hello, a comment to a frustrated mom, a compliment, a sentimental gift, a random phone call to someone who crosses your mind or taking time for a cup of tea with someone.

     None of my gestures are grand. I know some people wish I’d send them on a  cruise, but I can’t do that. (Unless I’m the chaperone!)

     I still remember getting a card in the mail from my cousin’s ex-wife 21 years ago on the anniversary of my mom’s passing. That was a “Holy Moment” that Matthew Kelly writes about. It touched my heart then and still does.

     The other day I loaded five bags of groceries into my car. Two pre-teen boys were in the car next to me. The windows were down. One called from the back seat. “How do you make a pool table laugh?” I like kids so I said,” I’ll bite. How?”

Trying to shock me they replied, “You tickle their balls.” They laughed and did fist bump. Instead of telling them, that was inappropriate to tell an older woman (who appeared to look very young), I countered.

“Why don’t teddy bears ever eat dessert?” I waited. “Because they are always stuffed!” Hahahaha! To my surprise, they laughed hysterically. (I’d seen that joke on Funny Editor that morning.)

     I offered them each a Drumstick ice cream cone from my bag. At first, they said, “Yes!” But then the younger boy decided their dad would be mad if they accepted it from a stranger. I told them I’d meet them next month with a new joke and ice cream. I wouldn’t be a stranger then. They agreed and laughed. I drove away with a big smile as they yelled, “Bye lady!”

     After reading Matthew Kelly, I realized I’d just had a Holy moment. How simple and fun can these moments be? It was delightful and didn’t even take a full minute! My day was brightened. 

     Once you realize the opportunities to engage in these tiny Holy moments, you will find them everywhere! They will just pop up waiting for you to jump in and enjoy. If you don’t take the initiative, someone else may get that joy.

     Let’s meet for ice cream. I’d love to hear about your “Holy Moments.”