Be master of your petty annoyances and conserve your energies for the big, worthwhile things. It isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out—it’s the grain of sand in your shoe. (Robert Service, writer)
I’m ready to start editing, eyes on the computer, coffee cup in my hand. And I set the cup on the pull-out board of my old desk—right smack on top of a pen. Gravity wins. Every thought I had falls out with the hot liquid, onto the floor and rug. Time to wash a load of caffeine-soaked rags.
An unplanned cleanup becomes the metaphorical grain of sand in my shoes, the shoes I’m not wearing yet. Sunrise is fresh and I’ve already drowned the day in spilled coffee. Far from an important event, but I can turn it into an omen. Easily.
Time to brainstorm some perspective. Random fun memories for starters. When the memory occurred doesn’t matter:
A granddaughter at play. She introduces herself as the teacher, Mrs. Tushman. Mrs. Man for short…
My grandson’s huge brown eyes and his turn as pilot. “We’re flying 20 miles and it will take 20 hours…”
Years ago, my parents gathered my siblings and me into the car. We were going somewhere. It could have been a trip to a park. It could have been a trip for ice cream. The fun came with the surprise. The smell of popcorn! It’s a drive-in movie.
I smile. The splattered area is relatively dry.
I consider simple signs of love that have happened within the past 24 hours:
A thank-you note from my friend, Liz. We haven’t seen one another for years. Our friendship is rekindling.
My husband’s words, “Wait, I’ll do that!” as I carry dishes from the table to the sink.
Countless opportunities to give back. Someone could use a reach-out call from me right now.
I’d like to think that the next time I get in my own way I will be instantly forgiving. Probably not. Besides, the mountain ahead remains ahead.
Companions appear along the way. However, the climber needs to grasp each rock to succeed.
I didn’t really need another cup of jitters anyway.
terrypetersen 