I was taken aback this morning by the cartoon ZIGGY in the morning paper. It shows him in his usual line drawing self looking up a a sign that read "BASICALLY, EVERYTHING, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE". How true - how very true.
The older I get, the more I realize how precious each day becomes. Each day is a gift (I was told once that is why is it call "the present".)
Recently a couple from our senior neighborhood left for a few days vacation. One took a bad fall and was hospitalized for several days. Only one spouse returned to suddenly begin a new life. Another resident suddenly lost two great nephews in a tragic multicar accident. They were in their early twenties and already quite successful. Here the make up of an extended family was suddenly changed without notice. In our family we've also had unexpected loss of a loved one as have most families. We've had job layoffs change future plans in an instant. Change without notice ranges from the molehill to the mountain.
Last Sunday in church, our minister asked prayers for a sister church in the Pocanos. It seemed that the previous Sunday a storm broke out during services. They looked out the window and saw the funnel headed straight for them. They do not have a basement so the minister had the congregation lay on the floor. At the very last minute the funnel suddenly changed course and as the members watched, some of their homes and farms were leveled. Possible change without notice that was changed without notice.
Before the end of the prayer, we heard our first clap of thunder. Never saw so many heads suddenly snap to attention. No one said a word but the general climate in the sanctuary was totally different. Then more claps of thunder and it began to get darker outside. We began to sing a hymn and the organ lost power. There was a momentary silence and the organist said keep going and we sang our little hearts out and miracle of miracles, when the organ started up again we were on key. How about that! As the storm got closer the environment got darker and the lightening became more visible and thunder snappier. Then the heavens opened and the deluge began - one of those where you think we should all be building an ark rather than just sitting there. As it began to move over us, the minister continued his sermon in a steady non-plussed way but I'm sure his peripheral vision got the same workout mine did. As my mind tends to work in its own weird way, I was wondering if we were ordered to hit the floor, would I be able to get down between the pews and if I did, would I ever get up again.
Soon we heard the storm wind its way over us and head away. It was lighter by the time we headed home and the rain had dramatically subsided. The only consequence to those of us who live close - we walked to church and sloshed home.
So - one never truly knows from one minute to the next what is coming our way. This is why I "try" harder not to get caught up in the stuff of life so I can live it with less clutter. This morning was particularly beautiful. It led me to compose the following poem that I share with you.
To Start the Day
I took a minute this morning to stand
by the window and gaze
at two bunnies munching through clover as
part of their morning graze.
The hedge of butterfly bush was alive
causing a fluttering sight
of wings dancing in a swirling ballet
of yellow, black, orange and white.
A hummingbird lady enjoyed my sweet brew.
Thanks, said she with a dive
past a big bumblebee gathering pollen as he
worked his way home to the hive.
A pair of cardinals perched at the window
picking the safflower seed
while chick-a-dees and finches shared the
fruit of the thistle weed.
Just think what I’d miss in the mornings if
in a rush I hurried along
and didn’t peek through the window or
listen to wake up songs.
Elizabeth Egerton Wilder ~ August 2009
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