a christmas moment

you know that long and dreary ramp up into superstore?  right now there's a salvation army stand right in the middle just as you turn and start the last leg of your weary trudge up into the store.  on my way up i noticed a lady sitting at the stand ringing the bell.  she wasn't making eye contact with anyone.  just ringing her bell constantly.  "that has got to be the longest shift ever.", i thought to myself as i passed, "i would hate that job."  i did my shopping.  i was low on sleep, low on energy, and low in spirits.  but as i was walking down the ramp towards the lady i saw that she had put away her bell and now her phone was out and she was singing.  she was singing silent night and reading the words on her phone.  she still didn't make eye contact with anyone and her voice sometimes screeched a little or wavered off tune.  but as i made the turn and headed down the final ramp silent night echoed around me and everyone else who was mid trudge up and down the ramp.  and i suddenly felt grateful for her humble imperfect contribution of that holy simple little song. i swallowed a lump in my throat and said a little thank you prayer on that spot and left feeling a lot more of the christmas spirit than i had been feeling.