opportunity
The yellow finches appeared as bouncing colorful orbs seeking the fresh seed that filled the feeders just a few yards away from the deck. Although hot and humid, the extreme heat was sheltered high above the scattered clouds that moved slowly with the breeze traveling from west to east. The hearty cows about which we were to be learning were grazing steadily on the dark green vegetation that proves to be among the source for the nutrient rich beef. As refreshments were being prepared for the soon to arrive entrepreneurs, this aging and somewhat resigned host to PD engaged full-heartedly in games with his three and four-year-old granddaughters. Giggles, screams, and uncontrollable outbursts of laughter permeated our presence as we cherished these moments of sheer joy. The “joy” is in the ability to engage with the precious girls as they are, where they are and, in the process, imprint a memory of fun time with “Popi”. Soon the hosted group arrived and the opportunity to learn about turning land resources in one of the geographically healthiest regions in the Eastern US into an environmentally and nutritionally healthy product that promises to be self-sustaining got underway. As part of the learning experience, the group got the opportunity to meet the nutrient rich contributors to Middle Border Beef, that give back more to the environment than they take. The experience reminded this PD participant that there are still opportunities for positive change and life enhancements that can flourish with our grateful attention to them. Another window opened to the fresh air of thankfulness in which the richness of opportunity for renewal came flowing through.
The scratching and crackling had become all too prevalent just over the two front windows. A windstorm two weeks ago rendered the siding over the eaves tattered and torn. Just a slight gust of wind sent the ripped metal pieces flapping against the house or roof in noisy protest. Something more seemed to be going on and the suspects were a pair of red winged blackbirds who were possibly commandeering an out of the weather space to build a nest. As the repairman went about his task of replacing the poorly constructed eaves covering from forty years ago, this reluctant host to PD went about the task of completing his agenda. The doorbell sounded and this stiff legged shuffler made his way to the waiting door. Held firmly in the hand of the repairman was a well crafted nest containing five small eggs and several black feathers. The nest had been exposed as the old siding was being removed to make way for the replacement. We were both concerned about the potential blackbird family and knew there was no way to return the nest to its pre-discovery state. Hoping for the best, the nest and its bright orbs was placed securely in the grand old pecan tree near the house. The nesting pair may never return, but we are thankful that there was a place high off the ground in which the painstakingly crafted nursery could be placed. Even as the normal process of life is sometimes interrupted there are moments and spaces of opportunity that emerge. We can only hope that the red winged pair discovers the new location of the opportunity to continue their process of family building!
Fields glisten with frost as the sun bursts brightly over the eastern horizon. Today’s prediction is one of warmth and sunshine as spring teases her way forward. In the quiet stillness of the moment, reflections of past experiences mesh with the thoughts of today’s agenda and create the context in which events may unfold. That uninvited resident named Parkinson’s is slowly becoming an acknowledged inhabitant who shall never define me, but must somehow be accommodated as a firm presence deep in the center of my brain. Other temporary maladies which have come to visit are distractions of late and have served as reminders that distractions need not serve as detractors to one’s tasks in this journey called life. Conscious dreams that form the superstructure of ambition begin to take form in the presence of gratitude for what has already begun to be realized. An abundance of thankfulness flows like a river that nourishes the desire to encourage, inspire, and thrive as a witness in a life gratefully lived. Each time an inconvenient distraction passes near, a pause to reflect and draw from that robust river of thankfulness serves as nourishment that propels this journey forward. Each day provides yet another opportunity to thrive in the midst of the garden that blooms rich from the waters of gratitude surrounded by the soil of thankfulness.
The cool morning air presents a grand opportunity to address the budding new grass that rampantly insinuates itself in the garden beds. Recollecting the addition of grass cuttings last fall to the compost heap now strikes one as an unwise choice. Apparently, enough seed and root segments survived the heat of the composting to become the genesis of new life in the planting beds. Challenged by the mistake and armed with new knowledge, we slowly and steadily attack the sprouting grass with an extracting tug. Whatever the cause, the work now is to diminish the unwanted vegetation giving room for the desired and intended garden selections. Parkinson’s disease seems to insinuate itself in the area intended for living and appears to desire obstruction by its very presence. We’ve determined what its cause is not and have speculations as to what is its cause, but neither help with the problem of its ever present challenges to what has been assumed as normal routine. Just as the planting beds require a steady “weeding” so this dopamine challenged body needs a steady routine of “weeding” out of stiffness and resistance by maintaining some semblance of exercise and flexible activity. Sometimes the challenges are great and sometimes they are less, but always they remind this participant of the gratitude that fuels the engine of perseverance. The weeding, ever so slow, stands as a reminder that obstacles are removed or diminished one tug at a time.
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.
Blue skies embrace the bright sun as the temperature rises above forty degrees. Clouds begin to meander in as blue shades turn to gray. Humidity rises and the wind feels as though it will blow right through the layers of defense worn beneath the outer coat. Another log in the old stove keeps the inside feeling warm and crisp in contrast to what’s beyond the door. Rain will soon spread its way across the frost browned terrain reminding us that spring has not yet arrived. Stiffness, pains, and frustrating tremors experienced in the midst of winter doldrums add to the knapsack strewn over the shoulder on this journey through winter. Knowing that this season will pass provides some solace but no cure for the current affliction. In the shadow of a downcast mood, I begin to think of opportunities that lie before me. A walk down the farm lane; a wrestle with the puppies; a journey to the gym and ample firewood for the stove, not to mention delightful companionship, begins to lift the veil of melancholy that would steal today’s joy. Gratitude begins to drive out the despaired squatter from the abode too small to share. Eyes see brighter now, even in the overcast sky. On today’s journey, thankfulness is the fuel igniting the flame of gladness that makes the pathway clearer.
A warm breeze whisked by as the new bike and I navigated the path beside the river. An adventure that had begun as only a dream last year was being fulfilled. The unexpected warm fall weather had created a door of opportunity through which we could pass on this first of what we hope will be many biking excursions. Cruising past the sights of my childhood along the river brought back fond memories of times past and prompted reminders of the blessings of things present. As winter edges its way back into our presence I look forward to days ahead that provide other doors of opportunity for discovering more of the river trail. Every new day ushers in opportunities to discover the possibilities that may be uncovered in the moments provided. Today, gratitude is the cloak that wraps the gifts that are yet to be discovered.
Gently crackling in the heat of the olive oil the freshly chopped onions and celery took on their respective translucent and pale green color. The diced leftovers from the previous week along with beef and chicken stock renderings were waiting to be added. A few special spices and additives had taken their place early in the preparation. Now the “Baffi soup” would soon be ready for consumption. With the smell and taste came fond memories, both distant and near. Distant were the days as the kids were growing up when we enjoyed our almost weekly weekend soup medley during a warm family dinner. Near were the memories of the past week when each meal was lovingly constructed as an artist applying his color to the once blank canvass. Absent in all those memories were the moments of challenge with stiffness or tremor. This mirror of the week and years gone by reflects more delight than dismay. Though challenged more than once, the victory over them is the blanket of memories of which they are only a minor part. I am grateful for the opportunity to construct the “Baffi soup” of life and savor its new flavor from things past.
The light of the morning sun glistens through the tree tops as it rises from the East. The crisp fall air bids adieu to the days of summer. The leaves once glowing green now fall gently in the breeze, inhabited by a multitude of yellow, red, and brown hues. Fall has fully arrived and ushers in evenings around the wood burning stove and days shuffling between sweaters and short sleeved shirts. For some, the change of season brings with it stiffness, aches, and pains. For others it may usher in freedom of movement as a relief from the heat and humidity that frequently accompanies the summer sun. Whether stiff, achy, or free from either, the season rolls on with the promise of winter to come that prepares us for thankfulness when spring arrives once more. In each season is found reason for giving thanks for the life we are afforded and its opportunities for listening and learning. I in one moment detest the notion of having to remember to take my medication and be bound by its absorptive half life and in the next moment give thanks that the medication is available and, so far, effective. Such is life! It’s inconvenient to have to go to the supermarket but it is great having the family over for dinner. It would be hard to accomplish one without the other. Sometimes inconveniences provide opportunities.