My iced brewed coffee came with a straw a child would love. On a fun variation, the simple flex in the straw had two full circles of swirls and rings. I realized I had slowed down, starting at the straw. I could hear life’s whispers. As stories unfolded, I caught myself smiling and laughing at the way simple things in life reveal lessons learned, often with the irony of angst at the time.
Life is rarely a simple path from one point to another. Along the way, emotions, choices, and the freedom exercised by others come into play. What seems simple becomes anything but. What could be straight morphs into twists, turns, and changes. I know how easy it is to get distracted, to think that life is defined by the dramas of any given day. As I look back, I see it differently, however in the moment, ah, the stuff of worry and uncertainty.
Memories are often much easier than the present for a simple reason. We know we made it through. Whatever unfolded is overlayed with the confidence and certainty that we will be alive, ready for hope, and looking to belong. I often wonder what would be different in my day if I was certain the outcome was going to be ok.
Even as I reflected on the straw and all it represented; I realized that I had already used it to enjoy my coffee. Whatever my uncertainties were, they had been answered. My anticipated efforts would be required replaced by the experience of enjoying the drink through the straw. It was funny to realise how simple and straightforward things were with the doubts I still held. My mind drifted to the awareness of Divinity’s gift of recreation within every heart and mind. The story does not need to stop there, “There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us,” (Romans 5.3)
Twists and turns are part of our story to enjoy.
