I looked down to realise that there were dangling feet beneath the table. The sight carried me back to my childhood, feet hanging loose off the edge of a wall, carefree, enjoying the moment, lost in life. The awareness of then and now focused my attention on the non-food choices with lunch. I could be in the moment, with metaphorical feet hanging out, enjoying life, or try to multitask and respond to the pressures of the day. Then and now, I love the feeling of how my feet hang with unlimited choices and freedom, starting from my toes, all the way up to my head and heart.
Dangling feet invite me to be fully present in the moment that is now. I hear and respond to the calling to learn from the past while letting it go to remain where it already is. I am invited to release my fear and uncertainty about what will come, knowing it is not within my control. The invitation to be fully in my moment is a decision I must make. In response, “I’ve decided that there’s nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life.” (Ecclesiastes 3.12)
Dangling feet take me to a child-like place of freedom and opportunity. Life’s whispers paint a picture where I am out in the open, still trying to understand who I am, resolute in the quest to be my best self, whatever that might be. I know I do not know. I understand my quest will take time and experience. As impatient as I am in getting to the destination, I sense that the fastest path is to live out the moment I have now. Everything is on the table. With friends, opportunity, and a sense of wild abandon, it is time to shout from the mountaintop, laugh with friends, and help each other be more than we think we can be.
Our lunch conversation took us everywhere. Today, I can step out with my dangling feet of hope and opportunity.
