Originally written in Spring of 2012
We've all heard the sayings "A mistake is an opportunity for creativity." "Turn your obstacles into opportunities." Perhaps many of these can be summed up by the realization that the unexpected can bring opportunities for reflection. We never plan to make a mistake and seldom choose to run into an obstacle, but such unexpected things are part of life. We can then choose to reflect on one of two things: why the situation is unfair, not right, and question "why." Or, we can reflect on our next step, what the lesson might be, or perhaps simply take a minute to recognize the beauty of the act of reflection itself. The lesson of the unexpected has come home to me recently in little humorous ways and ways that are much bigger.
In the middle of October, an unexpected health complication took me to the emergency room. While this event was not critical, it brought to light further concerns. These concerns and further unexpected developments at what seemed like every turn, turned something minor into a long ordeal. Tests and more tests. Scans and more scans. Days turned into weeks. Two surgeries later, it was easy to get frustrated over the how long this had dragged out, the inactivity forced on me, and the time recovery was taking. And while in the midst of this recovery, I faced yet other "unexpected's."
My next unexpected came through the simple decision to put up a Christmas tree. This will be the third season I've spent here and yet it will be the first that I've put up a tree. So, I went and picked up my tree, set it up and "fluffed" the branches. I had more or less decided to decorate it in white and silver. I hung a few bulbs to "test" my color scheme: satisfactory. So, I went about the ribbon garland. I've done these before and thought nothing of it as I started wrapping silver-laced ribbon around my new tree. I had gotten about half done and was hitting my physical limit for the day, due to my continuing recovery, and stood back to survey my work. Hit with the unexpected: my beautiful silver and white, sparkling Christmas tree appeared to have been TP'd. Instead of the elegance I expected from the white ribbon, what I saw was something quite reminiscent of toilet paper wrapped about the branches, not unlike those in front of the homes you see that have "been hit." I hadn't really stopped to consider that white ribbon might have that quality. As someone who likes to have things planned out, I wasn't ready for it to look like that. However, I decided that, since I was hitting my limits anyway, this was the opportunity to step back and reflect on what I wanted to do next.
Reflection is the opportunity to makes choices based on where you've been, where you are, and where you're headed. There will be times when this reflection will take one in a direction other than what we thought, but progress necessitates change. While reflecting during my recovery, I felt the tug on my heart to make a major career change. I was removed from what I'm used to and love, and moved into an exciting new season of my life. I left a comfortable position to pursue the fulfillment of a vision and desire. Reflection is often the perfect means to slow down and quiet our hearts enough to feel the leading and pull that may be present, and that we would not feel otherwise. My TP'd Christmas tree was the opportunity to take a minute and evaluate where I was headed; flexibility and a willingness to listen allowed me to learn from the unexpected, change directions, and create something, the beauty of which makes me smile every time I see it.
And so, the next time something unexpected happens, reflect instead of reacting. Take a minute to feel the tug on your heartstrings and acknowledge the unrecognized dreams. Whether the result is as big as making a career change or as small as changing the color of the ribbon on the Christmas tree, it will be worth the time and the effort. Life is about the journey and the journey is best made with plenty of reflection.
In this journey of life, we all have felt unappreciated. Whether it's in the home, in a relationship, in the workplace, or in other realms of life, we've all heard and uttered the words "They just don't appreciate me." While some might be tempted to brush this off as a self-centered view, it might be turned another way. What do we do on a day-to-day basis to show and express our appreciation for those around us? Never underestimate the value an expression of appreciation could have on someone who is down and/or hurting, and remember everyone gets down and feels pain.
I have a dear friend who I see only rarely, however one of the things I am continually impressed by is the way she handles people. My friend is someone who people love to serve and to serve with. She is someone who people respond to and love. Why? As I considered this question, I was struck with several observations of which I am going to share the biggest one I saw. My friend is someone who makes every person she comes across feel important and appreciated. I started paying close attention to some of the practices she employed with people. She always calls people by name, even if they're the waiter that she'll only be with for the next hour. She always thanks people for the things they do for her whether it's something preformed in the past or something that is yet to be preformed. And, she never fails to tell someone what she enjoyed and/or what she appreciated about the experience or her time with them. My friend is someone who genuinely appreciates others in her life and who openly expresses this.
We spend every day surrounded by people who feel unappreciated. Appreciation is motivation. Look for ways to express your appreciation to those around you. In doing so, not only will you lend a bright spot in their day, but the connectivity you will feel through appreciation of others will be a greater reward. My challenge today is to express appreciation to someone today, and tomorrow, and the day after that, etc. Even if it's in the little things, the effect it can have can be immeasurable.
