Dawn's Gentle Awakening

The morning light filtered through my kitchen window, casting a soft golden hue that seemed to whisper promises of simplicity and grace. Today was meant to be a simple expedition - a journey to the local market, a ritual of gathering sustenance for my body and soul.

My list was modest yet intentional:

Fresh, vibrant fruits
Farm-fresh eggs
A loaf of artisan bread
Organic, homestyle butter

The market bustled with the quiet energy of early morning. Vendors arranging their produce, the gentle hum of conversations, the soft rustle of paper bags - all creating a symphony of everyday life.

Unintended Separation

As I carefully selected each item, my mind drifted between the physical act of shopping and the spiritual landscape of my inner world. The fruits I chose were not mere commodities but living connections to the earth - each apple, each berry a testament to divine creation.

But in the dance of selection and contemplation, a subtle mistake emerged. A portion of my carefully chosen fruits remained behind, forgotten in the gentle chaos of the market.

Moment of Panic

The realization struck like a sudden wind - my fruits were not with me. Panic rose within me, a turbulent wave of emotion that threatened to overwhelm my carefully maintained inner peace.

My first instinct was prayer. Not a calculated, rehearsed prayer, but a raw, vulnerable conversation with Christ:

"Lord, guide me. Help me navigate this unexpected challenge. Let me see your hand in this moment of confusion."

My heart raced. The fruits were more than just produce - they were symbols of my morning's intention, of my connection to the rhythms of life and sustenance.

Divine Intervention

And then, in a moment that felt orchestrated by something beyond mere coincidence, I discovered my forgotten fruits. They were safe, held by one of the market's leadership team members - a beautiful soul who had noticed my oversight.

Deeper Lesson

This was never just about forgotten fruit. It was a metaphor, a gentle reminder from the universe about:

Presence
Mindfulness
The grace of unexpected kindness
The importance of staying centered, even when plans go awry

In losing and finding my fruits, I found something more profound - a reminder that life's journey is not about perfection, but about how we respond to imperfection.

Reflection

Sometimes, our greatest spiritual lessons come not from grand gestures, but from small, seemingly insignificant moments. A forgotten bag of fruit. A kind stranger. A moment of panic transformed into gratitude.

Christ works in whispers, in the subtle movements of everyday life. Today, he spoke through a market, through forgotten fruits, through human kindness.

And I was listening.

Mitchell Royel

Fruits, Faith, & The Forgotten Bag: Morning’s Sacred Wandering