The Highlight of my day

Even though it was my husband's birthday and we had a lovely lunch with Champagne, the highlight of my day was meeting a child of four years or there about.

My sister and I were out shopping in the afternoon and we visited an exotic African store where it is possible to buy fruits and vegetables, spices etc. that are not available elsewhere.

Whilst we were checking in our groceries, being served by an African woman, quite traditionally dressed, a little boy came rushing in from the Arcade. Looking up at the lady serving us, he called, 'What is the time please?' As she was busy at the til concentrating on our groceries, she perhaps did not hear him and so I answered him, 'It is 3 pm.' He smiled and said, 'I still have time to play before I start work.'

He was cute in his dress and manner. One could see that he was a well brought up little boy and was perhaps of mixed parentage. His complexion was quite light and his eyes were brown and bright and he had the usual very short cropped hair. His whole demeanor was animated and full of enthusiasm. He was an attractive child.

I was amazed that this little mite of four years of age could possibly be concerned about time and work.

'Where and what work do you do?'
'I work here in the shop.'
'And what do you do in this shop?'
'I help my grandmother.' (The lady serving us obviously).
'Well now - that is great and what kind of work do you do?' I was totally curious at this little child's attitude and was captivated by him.
'I tidy the shop.'
'That is fantastic! Do you get paid for working or do you work just for love?'

He looked at me, slightly puzzled and spent a few seconds in thoughtful consideration, probably not having been confronted with this type of question before. He pursed his lips, cocked his head and looked upwards, contemplating my question - one could almost hear his little mind ticking, then he beamed, glanced at his grandmother and said, 'I work for love.'

I could not resist him and asked, 'Would you give me a hug, please?' He spread his little arms and I bent down and was duly embraced with a tight hug. The spontaneity of his gesture and the joy in his face sustained me all day and I continue to thank God for little children.

Helen Renaux