I've been running a little behind in some of my favorite online activities recently partly because of the baseball game schedule, partly because we are switching to a new computer and party due to LIFE interfering with my fun.
I took this picture on one of those beautiful days we had recently as I was going into a meeting. I was struck by how pretty these looked lining the sidewalk and debated with myself about taking the picture then or after the meeting. I think to myself: I have to put my stuff down, rummage through my purse, dig out the camera (hope the battery is charged) --well, you get the idea. It doesn't sound too overwhelming but this thought process takes about 3 steps.
I decide to stop and take the picture. "Stop and smell the flowers" if you will. When I came out of the meeting, it had clouded over and it wasn't nearly so strikingly beautiful as it had been earlier. I was very pleased with myself that I took the opportunity when it presented itself.
This is a lesson I've had to learn and relearn all my life. I cannot think of an example of a time that I regretted seizing the moment and many times I have regretted NOT doing so. Why didn't I (fill in the blank) when I had the chance? Practically the only phrase I never find myself saying is Why didn't I use the bathroom when I had the chance? because I NEVER pass up that opportunity. Why is so hard to apply the same to other situations?
Pardon the philosophizing today--all brought about by pretty purple spring flowers. I've recently been reminded of a bigger truth that came to me about life and the world during Mary Jane's illness and death.
At that time, I was struck by how it seems there is great balance in the world and life. OK, I know you are rolling your eyes but stick with me. For those times that you are very happy, there are times you are equally devastated. It seems there is balance in that. Scientists tells us that climate and weather balance themselves out--where there is drought someplace on the planet there is flood for example. Cold winters are balanced by warm summers.
Ryan had his no-hitter recently which was a wonderful experience I am very happy he was able to put in his frame of reference. Now his team is struggling. Balance--on a pretty small scale I know but nevertheless.
Mary Jane's illness made me kind of angry that victims of tragedy could create something wonderful out of their tragedy. Someone would always say: "we needed to have something good come out of this" Nothing good came of Mary Jane's illness, as far as I am concerned. I am waiting for some of that to balance itself, but Aiden, Breyen, Delaney and Sophie are a darn good start putting joy back into our lives. People were extraordinarily kind and generous in very surprising ways. This brings a little more balance back into the picture.
So I guess I want you to think about taking opportunities when they present themselves (have a good time in SC, Judy) and remember that depths of devastation or difficulties are just the other end of the see saw. I'll stop now.
I took this picture on one of those beautiful days we had recently as I was going into a meeting. I was struck by how pretty these looked lining the sidewalk and debated with myself about taking the picture then or after the meeting. I think to myself: I have to put my stuff down, rummage through my purse, dig out the camera (hope the battery is charged) --well, you get the idea. It doesn't sound too overwhelming but this thought process takes about 3 steps.
I decide to stop and take the picture. "Stop and smell the flowers" if you will. When I came out of the meeting, it had clouded over and it wasn't nearly so strikingly beautiful as it had been earlier. I was very pleased with myself that I took the opportunity when it presented itself.
This is a lesson I've had to learn and relearn all my life. I cannot think of an example of a time that I regretted seizing the moment and many times I have regretted NOT doing so. Why didn't I (fill in the blank) when I had the chance? Practically the only phrase I never find myself saying is Why didn't I use the bathroom when I had the chance? because I NEVER pass up that opportunity. Why is so hard to apply the same to other situations?
Pardon the philosophizing today--all brought about by pretty purple spring flowers. I've recently been reminded of a bigger truth that came to me about life and the world during Mary Jane's illness and death.
At that time, I was struck by how it seems there is great balance in the world and life. OK, I know you are rolling your eyes but stick with me. For those times that you are very happy, there are times you are equally devastated. It seems there is balance in that. Scientists tells us that climate and weather balance themselves out--where there is drought someplace on the planet there is flood for example. Cold winters are balanced by warm summers.
Ryan had his no-hitter recently which was a wonderful experience I am very happy he was able to put in his frame of reference. Now his team is struggling. Balance--on a pretty small scale I know but nevertheless.
Mary Jane's illness made me kind of angry that victims of tragedy could create something wonderful out of their tragedy. Someone would always say: "we needed to have something good come out of this" Nothing good came of Mary Jane's illness, as far as I am concerned. I am waiting for some of that to balance itself, but Aiden, Breyen, Delaney and Sophie are a darn good start putting joy back into our lives. People were extraordinarily kind and generous in very surprising ways. This brings a little more balance back into the picture.
So I guess I want you to think about taking opportunities when they present themselves (have a good time in SC, Judy) and remember that depths of devastation or difficulties are just the other end of the see saw. I'll stop now.
1 comment:
I think that we all need to learn these lessons at our own pace. I have only begun to learn mine, but thank you for the reminder.
I still am amazed (and entertained) at how well you write. You are good at it and I think you enjoy it, maybe you could write when you retire.
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