Sometimes I can’t predict how a situation will unfold. You would think, given that I’m a writer with an overactive imagination, I would foresee all sorts of possibilities. I often do, but sometimes the one that becomes reality is completely unanticipated.
Last week, I was doing a little bargain shopping. After standing in line for a good 30 minutes, I checked out and was attempting to exit the store when I realized the exit door was blocked. A lady stood in the doorway with two big bags sitting on the ground and a little boy sitting on one of the bags. I could have gone around her, out the entrance door. But instead, I did what most compassionate human beings would do: I asked if she needed help. (more…)
Have you ever had a chance encounter that ended up influencing your life? I don’t mean when you meet someone and you become lifelong friends, or you have an experience that causes you to rethink your life. Nothing that significant. I’m talking about some part of a brief interaction that has worked its way into your life.
Allow me to provide an example. 😉
When we lived in GA, there was a delightful, locally-owned Greek/Italian restaurant about 10 minutes from our house. My husband and I ate there a couple times and it was delicious. The Greek shrimp pasta, in particular, was quite amazing. We’re talking whole wheat pasta, bell peppers, feta cheese… (Excuse me while I mop the drool off my face..) (more…)
It whispers and begs and bids me come,
“I will be but a moment,” say I.
But a moment grows from one to two.
“Just a moment, a moment more,” say I.
Louder it grows as it pleads and cries,
But focused on my task am I.
Though I long to lay it aside and come,
I cannot. “Please wait, please wait,” say I.
‘Tis a fickle creature that asks me here,
And yet so devoted am I.
For when it calls, I answer and beg,
“Do not leave. Stay here, stay here,” plead I.
For once it is lost, ’twill not be regained.
Oh what a fool, what a fool, am I.
For I seized it not when it was mine.
“Come back, come back to me,” cry I.
Yet all is quiet and much too still,
For now it has left me alone.
When next it comes I will answer post-haste,
“But for now I wait, I wait,” say I.
