Before I began my Hands Free journey, I often noticed a woman at my daughter’s swim team practice. While her child swam, she sat with colorful spools of yarn upon her lap and knitted. I never knew why I found myself transfixed on her, but I do now.
Although she probably had grocery lists to write, emails to read, to-do-lists to peruse, and phone calls to make, she chose knitting. There she sat undisturbed by the happenings around her, happily lost in her own world. I wondered what kind of hopes and dreams she thought about while she worked magic with her hands. Although at the end of practice, I could check several items off “my list,” she had created something beautiful that would last far longer than she.
I thought about that woman as I stood in line at the DMV the other day. I could be like everyone else around me and begin texting friends and family to report that I was waiting at the DMV. Or like many, I could post on Facebook just how long I had been waiting. But my knitting hero came to mind, and my Hands Free inner voice urged me to take that time to focus on something that really matters while standing in line at the DMV.
It was clergy appreciation month, and I wanted to write my pastor a note. I dug around in my purse and found a receipt to write on. Of course, I had the perfect hard surface, my license plate. I began to write freely about exactly what it was about him that made such an impression on me. Just like the knitter, I got lost in my thoughts and something beautiful and lasting appeared before my eyes.
When I got home, I transferred the note to a more acceptable form of stationary and placed it in his mailbox.
After the service on Sunday, he stopped and thanked me. He seemed to be truly amazed by what I had written about him. He said, “If I could be half the man that you wrote about in your note, I would be doing good.” Of course, this surprised me because I had not exaggerated or embellished my depiction of him. I told it just like I see it. How could he not know what an incredibly kind person he is?
A few days later a card from my sister came in the mail. The quote on the front was this:
I only wish you could see what I see when I look at you. –Koda Yamada
Inside my sister had written: Sometimes I wonder if you really know how wonderful, kind, beautiful, passionate, terrific, smart and skilled you are?
That is when it struck me: We seldom recognize the best qualities in ourselves. We often fail to see the radiance that we add to the world. We are so quick to point out our own weaknesses and rarely acknowledge our strengths.
Thank goodness there are people out there that take time to tell us the beauty that they see inside us. It would be a shame to go through life and never know.
You have the power to tell someone about the magnificence that you see, even when you’re standing in line at the DMV.
Have you ever thought to yourself how amazing you think a particular person is? Or have you ever wished that you had a certain quality that he or she possesses? Today, instead of reading emails or checking Facebook, use that time to let someone know the radiance you see. You may be telling them something he or she never knew, but always wanted to hear.
Rachel~~Am I the oldest to respond!!?? What a wonderful inspiration–not only for those of my age–but for so many young mothers with their “hands full”. I do hope that this will help them to see the value in really paying attention to their children.
I am thinking that your inspiration not only comes from your beautiful daughters but from your great parents. They really did it right!!
Talk to you later.
Love, Carol
PS: How about Scott writing “Hands Free Husband”?
Hi Carol, you are so right…my inspiration has come from many sources and my parents are definitely one of those sources. I also fondly remember spending time with a very special lady who was Hands Free with me when we made fried bologna and painted our fingernails. I love you, Aunt Carol, for being who you are…a kind, generous, and loving soul.
I am recently married and not yet a mother but you have perfectly explained the kind of parents my husband and I long to be one day. Having grown up with our hands full, my husband and I have started to see a problem even amongst our friends. Though we see the effects, we have a long way to go before we will be hands free on a regular basis. You are a wonderful inspiration and I thank you, so very much, for sharing
God Bless.
How wonderful, Tessa! This means so much to me. Welcome to the journey. So glad to have you along.
Rachel,
I have recently come across your blog/journey through Facebook, finding the Huffington Post article “Taking Away My Daughter’s Smile.” I am not yet married or a mother, but in this age of technology, so many of the things you wrote there really resonated with me. I will be following your blog and attempting to read your journey from the very beginning. I have often noticed some of the same things you saw/realized about myself, and I often find myself regretting not being more connected and present with the people/situations around me. I absolutely love your Hands Free idea, and am looking forward to learning how and working to implement the same sort of philosophy in my own life.
Love from a new fan,
Stefanie
Hi Stepfanie, I am thrilled to receive this beautiful message from you! My dream has always been that people from all walks of life & differing backgrounds can find meaning in the Hands Free message. I am so glad you are joining me on this journey to a more present & gratitude-filled life! WELCOME!
Because of your “Voicing the Gift” post, the message of my Christmas cards this year was quite different. My aunt and uncle said they had never received such a card for the whole 20 years they were married. That they would cry (?!) and read it again and again. I was so surpriced by this reaction because I didn’t exaggerate anything. What’s the trick then, Rachel? Oh yes, you got it right again! They have never been told. They have never been told how great they are and what they mean to us. Amazing… I don’t think I would have ever figured it out myself. Once again, my heart is filled with gratitude to you.
Tears of gratitude and happiness for this beautiful story. Thank you for telling ME. The love keeps spreading …
Both of my girls have colds right now. I was up many hours last night with my youngest, so right now they are having a rare movie day. I needed some time to myself and I knew that your site was just was I needed. I wanted to read the posts from the very beginning of your journey. I think it is so wonderful you documented your transformation, because honestly, I dont think we remember how much we CHANGE over the years. But you have a record of your beautiful blossoming into this amazing Role Model that you are for so many.
Thank you, Rachel, for providing me some tears, insight, love, appreciation and gratitude on a day that I really need it.
Love
Jenny