The Smallest Seed
The kids- they ran with out a care, spun cartwheels across the turf and laughed so hard their voices cracked when they talked. The older ones would discretely search the crowd for their parents while the little ones would run without hesitation to pull theirs to come and see or beg to hold the precious puppy. It was a night where the purpose was obvious- kids should be kids. The weight of their world was checked at the door and the only worry allowed was how far a kick would launch the ball or with so many choices, what should be done next.
It caught my eye and I could not turn away as the smile formed for a little girl who had come running. I knew that smile- its the one that does not come easy when news of what lies ahead is uncertain. It’s the smile I sometimes give my brave one when I assure him it will be ok- even when reason begs me to differ but the still whisper in my heart reminds me it will. I know the energy it takes to form that smile when the weight of what is being carried has the potential to crush and it takes all you have dig deep for the smallest seed of hope.
The little girl who had run from afar looked squarely into the tired eyes with a light so bright, it’s power was palpable. She looked right past the tiredness and concern and, even if it was only for a moment, her innocent conversation was the small seed that cracked wide the weary heart and made way for light to soothe. I know that small seed and have been struck by its power- it’s the sun’s rays that reach out to me through the storm clouds in the distance- it’s the beams of light that sprawl flat across the floor and warm my bones on a fall morning – it’s the contagious laughter that bubbles up to join my brave one laughing so hard he can not finish his story.
The smallest seed breaks through the darkness and makes way for hope. I’ve seen it before and I saw it Friday night. Whatever the conversation, and even if for only a moment, the heaviness wearing tired on the face was lifted and what remained was a lingering smile that watched as the little girl grab her friend’s hand to run towards their next adventure.