Karma Isn't Instant

Me and my band of three merry teens proved that there is indeed a way to do so much in one day.  NYC today in sight-seeing included: Alexander McQueen exhibit at The Met --chilling--, a steamy stroll through the greenery of Central Park with a quick pass by the Dellacorte Theatre, a shoulder to shoulder march through Time Square, shopping and getting lost in the largest Forever 21 on the planet, a view of Times Square from high above the noise of the city streets, experiencing Harry Potter costumes and props through the years at the NYC exhibition--it's last stop in the US--, deli sandwiches and baklava, and  front mezzanine seats to Broadway's Catch Me If You Can.  We meandered back home to our temporary flat on the Upper West Side after climbing out of the subway tunnel.  It didn't smell like urine nor vomit tonight so we were off to a good start to our walk home. 
     There was a younger woman in her twenties, hair pinned up, car legally "standing" as she carried lamps and furniture into her house.  It was after ten o'clock as we walked passed her.  I felt a nudge in my head saying she needed some help, so I called to the girls and walked a few steps back to her with my small army . At first, she politely refused because she had friends coming, but after about 10 seconds she was gently coerced into letting us help her.  What would have taken her at least 15 minutes and a liter of sweat took us 30 seconds. We got chairs, a table, and a box of linens out for her as her friend walked up to help.  It was done. We got it to her stoop and  her friends could help get it up to the apartment. 
     It was a great way to end the day.  I reflected on how much we fed our own souls today.  Maybe we had a little moxie left over to give to this young woman so that she could thrive.  As we walked away I told the girls that it good Karma that we passed forward.  It felt good.  It may have lifted their step. They may have not even thought twice.  But someday they might want to do it again because of that little time we helped in New York.  Maybe the young woman will help someone else thrive.  Lessons and Karma are not instant.  Sometimes we have to roll them around in our mind for awhile.