Wait

      Waiting seems to denote inaction, letting time pass without getting anywhere. Sounds like a negative experience, doesn't it? It certainly is not something I do well. I'm trying to look at it differently. What if I see it as an opportunity to become aware of my surroundings. Yesterday I accompanied my four grandchildren and their parents to the big city. I went to the doctor's office with the mom and the twins and dad went to the public library with the older sisters. I had multiple opportunities to wait. Wait to be seen, wait while driving, and wait while picking up lunch.

     I let my mind search for sensory clues to what was going on in the world. The sky was clear and sunny. Mount Rainier was majestically holding court on the south side. There was whining from sick girls who did not appreciate the waiting. Gabi cried with passion "I want out of this belt!" I smelled the lingering scent of hand soap in the air. I like the Mrs. Meyer's flavors that my daughter-in-law uses. I put a piece of cinnamon roll in my mouth and noticed the amazing butter taste that Bakery Nouveau uses in all their baking. The crinkly wedges on my water bottle felt smooth and cold. All this mindfulness made the time pass easily with grace. My wish is to be smart about waiting. After all my time on this earth is in the third quarter and it matters how I play the game.

I write on Fridays with a large group who inspire me. Only five minutes and without much thought to perfection. I write, prompted by one word that sends my thoughts to the keyboard and hopefully make sense.