The other day I was walking briskly, when I passed a mother and her child. I knew both of their names, and had the pleasure of singing with the girl in preschool. At the moment when we passed each other, I opted to greet the child. They both smiled. 

 

As I hurried, I reflected on the efficiency of it. With one brief gesture of friendliness, I could touch two hearts. How is that? 

 

As a mother, I understood. Be kind to my child, and you have blessed me as well. Society sometimes leans into addressing adults, and leaving young ones out of the conversation. Yet, children love to be noticed as well. 

 

One time I spoke to a boy who did not know me. He was shocked. 

 

"How do you know my name?" 

 

Sweetheart. I knew his name, his mother's name, his father's name, his grandparents on both sides, and might even be able to pull up his great-grandparents' identities. There is no real logic for it, but I loved him, simply for his lineage. 

 

The origins of this ordinary miracle are embedded deeply in my concept of God.