Friday, June 22, 2012

Pickup trucks, thunderstorms, and espresso


 This morning I had a lot on my mind.  Nothing serious or significant—just a lot of to-dos, errands, and some stress swirling around in my already-overwhelmed mind.  I was on my way from one stop to the next when I called my friend, MK, to ask her if she wanted me to pick her up in 10 minutes for the second leg of errands.  After I quickly spit out the request (probably in my matter-of-fact, business-y tone), MK responded in her most-typical jovial fashion—she exclaimed that she would “LOVE!” for me to pick her up so she could take her first ever ride in my new car “and then we go to Starbucks and get Americanos!”

In that very second, something in my spirit shifted.  MK had no idea what was happening, but it was almost as if the Spirit in me was activated by engaging the joy of the Spirit in her.  All of the sudden, everything was put in perspective, and any stress I had disappeared in the light of a close friendship and a soul that is glad.

It’s really true that “a cheerful heart is good medicine.” (Proverbs 17:22)

For the rest of today, I have found myself able to appreciate the small gifts that make life so fun.  Like taking an extra lap around the neighborhood in the back of the pickup truck before MK drove it home.  Or letting all of my senses engage the evening thunderstorm.  Or spending a couple of extra minutes chatting around the dinner table after avocado and tomato turkey burgers.

Sometimes life is just not meant to be taken so seriously.  I’m so thankful for friends like MK whose happy spirit help me gain perspective and for times when the Lord reminds that I like to have fun and be light in the Light.

No comments:

Post a Comment