I saw a little girl waving at a pigeon today.
The toddler, in a bright red bonnet, holding her mommy’s hand, couldn’t have been more than two. Her mom, and everyone else for that matter, were oblivious to the cute little gesture that I felt fortunate to observe. The brownish, red-marbled bird didn’t pay much attention either.
But for little Bonnie Bonnet, it was just one of a hundred little gestures and actions that mean something to her. I’m sure she goes about her life without a care in the world. When she does have a need, hopefully her mom and family are there to care for her… to tie her hat on, get her sippy cup or change her Huggies Pull-Ups when she isn’t quite able to make it to the loo.
She has air to breathe, water to drink and food to eat. She has a beautiful, bountiful Earth all around her – evident from her visit with the curious looking city bird. She has a life to be thankful for.
We all have the same things that little Bonnie has. We have Loved ones who care for us. We have air to breathe, water to drink and food to eat. We all share in this beautiful Mother that sustains us. Most of all, we have our own life to be thankful for.
We all know that life isn’t that simple. Some don’t have food to eat or a roof over their heads. Others are unable to earn a living or can’t find work. Many live with illness and disabilities. We have challenges in our relationships, sometimes with our spouses or our kids.
But despite our challenges, we all have life. Everyone has something to be thankful for, no matter how big or how small. Above all, we all can choose to have a positive outlook, live life to it’s fullest and be good, productive people. Everyone can follow this path of life that’s called Mno-Bimaadiziwin.
Sometimes, we need to clear our schedule, set aside our money problems and the other challenges of our day-to-day lives. Those things will always be there to deal with. But sometimes we just need to take some time out of our daily lives and wave at the pigeons.
Hi Bob, this is a wonderful way of reminding us that sometimes it is the smallest, simplest gestures which give us the pleasure, the insight and sometimes the hope we need to get through whatever life hands us. I am always in awe of the teachings that the little ones grant us, if we only take the time to stop, look and listen. I love your blogs!
That’s a great story, and so true that these simple gestures give one great pleasure. I know for me, that little girl is still in me, and she still waves to pigeons and says hello to the magpies, or even a tree. It is moments like that when I feel close to the creator, without the barrier of the heavier thoughts of living.