"This is for you"

My youngest daughter spent 5 weeks serving food in a poverty stricken Township outside of Cape Town this past summer. My other daughter and I came over to pick her up, with the 3 of us then having the privilege of traveling for 2 weeks in South Africa. An idea that was put on my heart before leaving Chicago, was for us to "randomly" give small pewter hearts to individuals, as we were so led. Saying to an individual "This is for you", and having them put their hand out, placing a heart in their hands, and then murmuring something to the effect of, "You have a beautiful heart - and it touched mine. Thank you," was typical of something we'd say. Each time, the looks that came over people's faces.the tears welling up..the "ohhhhhhh's" and the "I'll never forget you" or "I'll carry it with me always" types of responses, were (are) precious.

Just yesterday, Monday, I was in Chicago for an International Women's Day Fair and luncheon at the Union League Club. Before attending, I put a heart into my blazer pocket, "just in case". (hearts are actually given very sparingly). As I began walking through the exhibits I stopped at a booth that displayed beautiful East African artesian wares for sale. Very stunning and eye-catching, as was the 45ish something American woman who stood behind the table. We began talking. She shared about the mission type trips she takes to Tanzania and Kenya each summer with groups of women. Fascinating. Moving. Seeing that St. Patrick's Day was upon us, I bought a green tanzanite necklace, in honor of my Irish father who had died a few years earlier.

We said our good-byes, no big deal, and I began walking away. However, for some reason, due to a very quiet prompting that is never questioned, I turned and went back to her. I told her in brief about the "spreading hearts" story with my daughters in South Africa. As I moved to give her something, I ended with saying, "And I feel moved to give YOU one.. you seem to have a beautiful heart.". Like all others, she opened her hand. I reached over and gently placed the heart in her palm. I awaited her response. She looked at the heart, and then back at me. Heart, then me. Her eyes filled with tears.

My heart is always so moved in these brief moments of exchange, knowing I would probably never see the person again. Inside I sigh a breath of thanks for being given the beautiful idea to randomly and lovingly spread kindness in this way.

The woman began to slowly speakShe looked up into my eyes and then back to the heart, turning it over, stroking itShe looked back at me, locking eyes. "My mother passed away on Wednesday." "Ohhhhhh" was all I could tenderly reply. She continued, in almost a whisper. "This means so much to me It was a week ago today that she had HEART surgery.but she didn't' make it." We gazed into each other's eyes, both filled with tears. It was a God moment.

Even though this exchange lasted no more than 90 seconds, a bond was made. We hugged. Ever so gently, she thanked me Our gazes continued and then, like always, because there was nothing more to say, I turned and walked away. I felt blessed.

Yes, listening to the very still small voice inside of me as to whom to spread a heart to, brings me great joy. Apparently, it does to others as well. So sweet. So random. So simple. So easy.

Thanks for letting me share.

Jeanne