Good Morning

Wake up, Nancy,” Elizabeth tapped Nancy. “Otherwise you’ll be late for school.”

“Yes, mom,” said Nancy rubbing her eyes.

“I’m going to prepare breakfast, see you at the table in fifteen minutes.”

Elizabeth went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. As per schedule, Nancy’s breakfast and coffee were at the table in fifteen minutes. Elizabeth poured herself some coffee, added a teaspoon of sugar, and made herself comfortable in a chair.

While sipping her morning coffee, she kept an eye on the clock. Nancy was late. Another five minutes later, Nancy came rushing out. “I hope I don’t get late.”

“Relax, have your breakfast.”

“Oh God!” said Nancy. “I forgot to pack my bag for the day. I’ll do it while having breakfast.”

Elizabeth sat patiently, watching Nancy trying to multitask. Nancy pulled out her timetable and fetched her bag. She would take a bite of her toast, then a sip of her coffee, and pack her bag simultaneously.

Glued to the timetable she extended her hand for the coffee and accidentally spilled it.

“Gosh! Mornings are such a mess!” Nancy was frustrated. Elizabeth fetched a cloth to wipe the spilled coffee.

“You see, my dear, this is lack of preparation. If you had packed your bag last night, you would be having your breakfast peacefully now.”

“I can multitask, it doesn’t matter,” replied Nancy.

“Really? Did you notice there was no sugar in your coffee!?”

“Really!” Nancy was surprised. “Now that you mention, I realise you’re right.”

“The coffee had none of your attention. You must be mindful, Nancy. Prepare your bag at night and savour the flavours of breakfast mindfully in the morning, that’s what I call a good morning. What you call multitasking, I call attention division. You must try, as far as possible, to give your undivided attention to the task at hand, even if it’s a simple task like having coffee.”

“You’re right, mom. I will keep that in mind,” agreed Nancy.

Elizabeth brought another cup of piping hot coffee for Nancy.

She took a sip and said, “No sugar in this too, but the cup is already full!”

“You can always add some sugar, it will dissolve. Remember, no matter how full your cup of life is, there is always room for the sugar of love. Love makes every experience sweeter. So, don’t hesitate to add a teaspoon of sugar to your cup! Now have your coffee while I pack your bag for you today.”

Nancy added some sugar and enjoyed the coffee while reflecting upon her mother’s wise words.

“Thank you, mom.”

“You’re most welcome, love,” said Elizabeth and handed Nancy her bag. “Here, your bag is ready!”