The Spiritual Case of the Runaway Grocery Cart

I an exhausted as I leave my 90 minute hot yoga class. I walk out into the also, hot, black pavement of the desert parking lot. A gusty summer wind is stirring. I am packing my gear; my mat, towel, water bottle and keys heading toward my car looking forward to a seated drink of water and a shower at home. 

Approaching my car, I fumble to push the right button to open the back hatch. I am looking forward to dropping off my load. Just then I notice a loose heavy-metal grocery cart barreling toward a brand new winter blue mist, Ford Raptor pickup truck. I have to say this is a beautiful truck.

A split second decision: Do I run, arms full in an attempt to stop the impending collision? Or play it safe? After all I could make things worse or fall. I decided to go for it. I ran toward the impending impact and managed to get in-between the shinny truck and the runaway cart. I stood against the truck and gazed at its smooth and sparkly shell. 

I looked around to see if anyone had witnessed my heroic deed. Oddly, no one was in this huge parking lot. Disappointed, I pushed the cart toward its designated cage and returned to my car. Sitting in the driver’s seat, sipping some water I am feeling so good about my save. And I am disappointed not one witnessed my courage. 

Wait, according to the Bible I am not supposed to feel good about my deed or wish someone had witnessed it. Don’t let the left hand know what the right hand is doing ( Matt 6:3-4). But I do feel happy and I do wish someone had witnessed my hero act! A few days later I acquiesced and told my granddaughter, who is staying with me for the summer, about my conflict and my good deed. She just smiled.

Last night I was listening to a Banyan Book podcast interview with Mirabai Starr, a spiritual leader and author. As always, Mirabai gives permission to feel what we feel and find grace in it. She was talking about visiting prisoners and how she felt good at the end of the day. She had made a difference in someone’s life. She shared that she did not support the rule of not feeling happy about making a difference or sharing it. 

This is a mental health question as well as a spiritual dilemma. Feeling good about decisions that help others is not a bad thing. I am not talking about making political moves to get attention, but sitting in the knowing that you are a good person and have a right to embody that fact. 

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