Can you Hear it?

Standing in the checkout line at my favorite coffee shop, I overheard a child trying to get their mother’s attention. While I do not recall just what they were trying to ask, I now years later, am still struck with this interchange.

Whatever it was that the child was asking, I recall that it was quite astute for a child of their age, their head barely reached the counter and their voice barely reached their mother’s ear.

Preoccupied with paying, the mother gently dismissed their child’s question without hearing it. The child, seeing that they were not going to be heard quietly looked away. I stood in awe of the child’s question that would likely never be answered, for it was apparent that already the child’s mind had returned to more childish things.

What are we Missing?

Even as a bystander, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss. I had half expected the mother’s eyes to light up with pride, but instead she quietly paid for her tea.

This happened long before I had my own children, I assume the child is now grown. But this seemingly insignificant interchange hangs in my mind like a snapshot in time that constantly reminds me to live life with my own children with one ear open for the small voice below the counter.

Have you ever experienced something like this? If so, share how.