take the time

you will be glad you did

My kids had conversations with each other in high school that occasionally made their way to me, although perhaps that wasn’t always happy for anyone involved. I heard my daughter mention in sixth grade that she was going to take Spanish in seventh grade because everyone knew it was so easy. Instead as a result of that conversation, someone (wonder who?) assured she enrolled in Japanese which became her focus for years.

The conversation which stopped me dead in my tracks was when I heard they had decided neither wanted to be too successful in careers because ‘Mom works so hard’. Well, I thought, of course one works hard; is there some other way? One puts aside things one wants to do, I called it delayed gratification syndrome, because one could do fun stuff later. Turned out I missed some things I wished I had done but you can’t redo life so I…missed….some things. I would wager you have, too.

Today I did not miss something invaluable. Sure, I am fully (sort of) retired but I still find it tough to fit in everything that I could do.

I saw the future this morning, in a park with smiles, frowns, and Canada geese. My heart is singing, and it’s not because I hear a Chuck Berry song on the radio.

We spent an absolutely perfect 90 minutes with the most charming lad and lass this morning. It was at a beautiful county park, outdoors in spectacular sunshine. Is there more?

I received presents from the most well behaved guy. Not only did I receive a personally selected acorn but also two sticks and a special whitish rock. He was incredibly polite when he received a leaf painting (which I have inside information he reveled at for the entire ride home as he could not seem to believe it was his). H informed me ‘Yes, my granpa is the biggest joker in the world’ (a truer statement cannot be found) and ‘I am a joker, too, but not like he is’. He had that unvarnished awe of a three and a half year old when he saw the Canada geese swimming our direction. He held my hand unflinchingly as would any date upon meeting some woman he didn’t really know but was willing to walk with.

The lassie took it all in with great suspicion, not quite sure who or why I was there, but never crying as she sat with me. She is a connoseusse of cheese, crackers, and yoghurt. She was her aunt through and through, assuring me of the passing from one generation to the next both the spirit and physical attributes. I imagine we have yet another incredible traveler and great spirit ahead.

The morning was worth every single moment, every smile, every step.

Take the time, make the effort, don’t let someone think you work too hard. It genuinely passes faster than the blink of an eye but it is the future. And a magnificent one, I believe, based on these two marvelous examples.

Thank you for reading Actions Create Consequences. I promised when I began that we would look at tribulations and gratitude. Few things can surpass the gratitude I feel today. I appreciate your time and I especially appreciate those of you who financially support this colum.

Have a superbamundo afternoon. Life is so good. Be well and be safe. FIN