Awe and Wonder in the little things

Why should we use cash when we can?

I rush to the store to buy a pie for dessert as my family is coming for supper. I am in a hurry, and the cashier smiles and says $10.89, I frantically hand her the$ 20 that I have in my pocket. She clears the machine and says “Oh, ok cash”, still smiling. I took the change and thanked her while rushing out.

Later that day a man comes into the store his daughter is sick and he is so on edge, she has been sick for a while, not sure what to do next his wife sends him for more cough syrup. He gets to the cash, looking distraught. Frown lines and dark eyes. The cashier notices how he looks and what he is purchasing. She smiles and asks, "Cash or debit?", he says "cash", she extends a bit of empathy and says "I see someone is sick, it is a bad season for the flu". She says $15.99. He passes her a 50. She gives him change including the $20 bill that came into her cash earlier. The man seems a little less distraught, thanks her kindly and is on his way. The nice interaction with the cashier made him decide to stop and pick up some food for him and his wife.

He stops and picks up some chicken, at a fast-food place close to home. He is feeling better to know his wife will be happy not to have to make dinner. He orders his food inside as the lineup to the drive through is long. He places his order with a smile. The cashier looks super busy, and he sees that. He feels compelled to let her know he is not in a hurry and tells her so, adding "it’s pretty busy today." The cashier asks, "cash or debit?" The man remembers he has a 20-dollar bill, "Cash please”, he says. “It will be $18.99”, she says. The man gives her the 20-dollar bill, she gives him his change and food and he is on his way.

Later that day a teenager comes in to get chicken. He worked all day mowing lawns. His 1st real job. He was sweaty and dirty and starving. He had just got paid a nice crisp 50-dollar bill. He was happy that it was nice and cool inside the restaurant. As he places his order the young cashier gives him a smile, “Hot day out there hey?”, she says. “Ya, unbelievable”, he says back with a smile. “Cash or debit?”, she asks, He says cash, as he passes her a nice crisp 50-dollar bill. $8.99 she says and hands him back that 20 and change. The teen puts the 20 and change in his pocket, finds a table in the corner and devours his meal.

And the 20-dollar bill goes on and on and on....

This twenty-dollar bill does something a debit machine can’t do.

It physically connects us. It travels from person to person.

Despite the day a person is having.

From wallet to wallet, purse to purse, pocket to pocket.

It has seen sick children, happy couples, the tired and the worn out. It has seen sadness and joy, been amongst uncertainty and prosper.

This twenty-dollar bill is like a little spirit that connects us.

When we sit in this, we can have a sense of Awe and Wonder.

The twenty-dollar bill is always there, but it is the meaning we make of it that matters. It is seeing things in the world with more open eyes, and looking for the connection that life creates even when we are not aware of them.

“Frequently consider the connection of all things in the universe.” – Marcus Aurelius

So next time you see a 20-dollar bill remember it like a traveler. Take a minute to give it gratitude and appreciate where it’s been.

“Pay attention. It's all about paying attention. Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. Stay eager.” – Susan Sontag

By Anna Randall