The Waiting Is The Hardest Part

Today I decided to get a couple of pieces of clothing altered. The garments are actually new buys, that I loved so much, that I ignored the fact that neither were my size. One is too big and the other too small. So, I traveled down the road to my favorite seamstresses, both of whom I think are octegenarians. I affectionately refer to them as "the ladies." I've called upon these ladies many times in the past, as is necessary when one is vertically challenged. But, today when I opened the door to their shop, the ladies were nowhere to be seen. A cohort of theirs informed me that the seamstresses are only on site Tuesday through Thursday, so I would have to come back next week. I stood there, knowing that today is Friday, but not wanting to move, as if somehow this aggregious error could be corrected with enough will. I half expected the ladies to appear, as if this was all an early April fool's joke. Finally, when the socially acceptable pause for me to comprehend this new information had well passed, I faked a smile and left the store. 

Of course, I could have taken my clothes somewhere else, but no one in town rivals the accuracy and precision of the ladies. So, I realized, I would just have to wait. Four whole days, until I can even drop off my clothes, and then who knows how long until they are ready. I cursed myself for not thinking to complete this errand yesterday, and then I cursed the whole town for having such "country" hours. Finally, I cursed myself for being upset about such a minor inconvenience when there are people in many countries who have no clothes at all, not to mention clean water or enough nutrition.

What I want, and what I eventually got, was to see this annoyance as an opportunity. They say that you can tell a lot about a person by how he responds to lost luggage and rain on his birthday. I want to be the kind of person that responds with grace and gratitude for all experiences, not just the ones that "go my way." After all, how many times have I looked back and thanked God for not getting what I wanted at the time? I may never know the true reason for today's happenings. Maybe I needed more practice with patience, or maybe, gasp, the reason has nothing to do with me, and everything to do with the ladies needing their beauty rest. But, what I do know is that life is better lived with flow, and it is my wish to step into it with faith and good intentions. Life is like a waterfall, and once you put yourself in it's path you can either enjoy the ride or fight 'til the death. Today, I choose enjoyment. 

With Gratitude,

Hayley