As I got on the bus today to go to Penang with my team, I expected a quiet bus ride to the beach. I had just downloaded a new Spotify playlist, so I was ready to go. I sat down next to the window, put my headphones in, and pressed play. I had a beautiful blend of Paul Simon, Smash Mouth, Prince, and even some Beach Boys. It was going to be a good trip. Right as I put in my second earbud and my music started, your face peeked out from the seat directly in front of my own. I smiled and waved in hopes to see you smile, and was ecstatic as your big, brown eyes and quizzical brow came alive and transformed into a grin as you returned the gesture. As I watched your face fill with joy, I couldn’t help but play along. Your giggles as you repeated each turn of the head or twist of my face made my heart soar. I continued, each movement goofier than the last, until I was sure I couldn’t love you any more. As my music started to pick up in tempo, I decided to give it my all. I danced for you in hopes you would follow suit. As your eyes lit up and your hands began to twirl in tandem with mine above your head, it was as if we were transported to a different world. We are so different. We eat different foods. We speak different languages. We have different customs. We see the world with different eyes, but while we sat there giggling and dancing in the midst of the crowded bus, you in the silence and me to the hum of Bobby McFarrin, everything else seemed to fade away except he mystery of connection and the magic of joy. We never spoke. I don’t even know your name, but I do know that I will never forget that moment with you, frozen in time, dancing on a crowded bus in Malaysia. I swear in that moment I saw my maker’s face in yours. You taught me the beauty of living free in the moment. You showed me the brilliance of joy that transcends cultures. You taught me the bounty that comes from living pure. As the bus pulled into its station, I looked out the window, and when I looked back you were gone. The moment was fleeting but the lesson was not. Thank you, little girl on the bus. Thank you. You are cherished and dearly loved, forever.
