My Emotion Cup Runneth Over!
What is the Lesson in the Response?
If coffee beans suddenly emerged from a cup previously filled with coffee — it would be considered an incredible experience. How would you respond?
I had a totally unexpected experience and my response made me realize that my emotion “cup runneth over”.
Saturday Morning My plans for this particular Saturday morning were to treat myself to a manicure, buy a few African Violets and pick up a package of tortillas and salsa to make chicken quesadillas for dinner. The salon is in the same strip mall as a Super Walmart so my initial thoughts were that I could pick up everything at Walmart after my nails were done. However, I didn’t feel like “dealing with” Walmart when my nails were done and rationalized that I could be at Lowe’s in 15 minutes and go straight to the garden shop to get what I needed. As I continued to think about it — I had adequate ingredients for stir fry — done and done!
Looking for African Violets in Lowes House plants are inside the store adjacent to the garden center in the Lowe’s near me. As I perused the corner section and navigated my way toward the window I heard something fluttering. While a little unnerving I assumed it may be a squirrel or something. I paused and realized it was the fluttering of a bird most likely a cardinal perched on the window sill — between a set of plants and the actual window. As I actually saw the bird I thought that perhaps it was trying to get out but was confused by all the plants behind it and seeing the outside in front of it. As I was watching the bird a black cat emerged from my left and pounced on the bird. The cat was obviously in between the plants and the window also and hidden from view. It all happened so fast- no sound — and upset me tremendously! I hurriedly left the area and walked around the store for a few minutes to process what just happened.
African Violets? When I returned to the area — I did not go back to the window area but found another set of plants closer to the aisle as opposed to going into the corner area. As I approached the cashier I could feel myself shaking and fighting back tears. The openness of the garden center allowed me to breathe in some much-needed fresh air. As I approached the cashier I observed a gentleman with a “Morehouse” sweatshirt on. I happened to have on a Spelman Alumnae T-Shirt. I was able to hold it together enough to exchange 30 seconds of “brother/sister” pleasantries. Ironically, our SpelHouse Homecoming occurred the previous weekend.
Once I reached the cashier I told him what happened. He told me that cats live in the store and apologized for it upsetting me. He appeared to be genuine and non-judgemental.
Tears vs. Rationale Once I settled into my car the tears began to flow uncontrollably. How long had the bird been there? How long had the cat been there? Why did everything happen when I was in the area and looked at the bird? Why didn’t I simply stick to my original plan? As the tears flowed - knowing there was nothing I could have done was a daunting thought! Rational reminders also came to mind — you witnessed nature — no more no less — you just didn’t expect to witness it in Lowe’s looking for African Violets!
What is the Lesson Could the lesson be that I have pushed down to push through and created an emotional dam or even several dams? Could it be as simple as a dam needing to burst? Did the Universe put me in the right space at the right time to make that happen? I don’t know!
“Just as hope rings through laughter, it can also shine through tears.”. — Maya Angelou