Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Minor Inconveniences



One of the best parts about Colorado winters is all of this sunshine.  Growing up in the Midwest, winters are dark, gray and seem like they will last for the rest of your life.  Especially this winter.  Or so I’ve been told.  I found out that not everyone is so amused when you post a picture of yourself drinking a beer in 60 degree weather in the middle of February.
I get it.  It’s about perspective.

We are in the middle of some big changes around our house.  Good changes. 
But what have I mentioned a few times about me and change?  There is also fear.  Fear of the unknown.

I haven’t been sleeping well.  I go to bed early because I am completely worn out (and I turned into my dad), and I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t go back to sleep.
I wake up at 2 am with a to-do list.  I suppose I could write here that I have also turned into my mom.

Sometimes, there is waiting with change.  It can be a multi-step process.  Sometimes those steps seem never ending.
I found myself at a stand still this weekend.  A temporary reprieve from the projects.  There wasn’t anything else to do but wait.

So I sewed. 
And drank beer.

I actually relaxed.
I was able to gain some perspective on these changes.  See the bigger picture. 

When it came down to it, I felt privileged.
In my professional and personal life, I see people who are adapting to the world around them because of big changes.  But these are tragic changes.

My adaptations seem small.  Minor inconveniences for the sake of achieving a goal.
Even in the celebration of a restful weekend, I am still aware of the other side.  The shadow side.  I am painfully aware that I could have been handed a different set of life circumstances.  I am privileged.

As I take my to-do list to bed with me tonight, I am going to take a moment to readjust my perception. 
Remind myself that these are minor inconveniences. 

Be grateful for the privilege of these minor inconveniences.
And pray for those who are burdened with tragedy.