Opportunity

Guests and co-workers were gathered around the patio table as others were lounging in the comfort of the deck chairs. The hotdogs and hamburgers had just been cooked on the grill as some of the folks were chomping down on their freshly assembled goodies. The sun was bright and the air more humid than any other day this season. As we looked to the northwest, the sky was darkened by the approaching clouds. Anticipating a drizzle at best, we continued our chomping and chattering in the bright light of the noon time sun. Suddenly, a sprinkle began followed by a gust of wind and then the downpour of blowing rain. Each scrambled to secure their meal and retrieve table items from under the covered patio. No one was immune from the rapid spread of torrential rain that ensued. All items secured then on the kitchen table, the group gathered comfortably in the living room with plates in hand and stories of times gone by. The gathering was delightful and the garden got its due. Fellowship and friendship flourished during those grateful moments of sharing, safety, and satiation. An interruption by the weather led to teamwork, accommodation, and the fun of sharing. What might have been viewed as an “awful” interruption by some was embraced as an opportunity for sharing and caring. Gratitude illuminates the view that changes impediments into opportunities.