Will This Matter 100 Years from Now?

I heard a story the other day about a man who accidentally ran into another man’s expensive sports car.  The man with the sport’s car got out of his damaged vehicle absolutely beside himself, yelling and screaming at the other driver over the mistake and how he ruined his beloved car.  Feeling very bad about the unfortunate mistake, the first man didn’t react to the continuous verbal assault with anything other than calm compassion and apologies.  “I’m so sorry”.  He thought to himself, “I didn’t do it on purpose.”  After much ranting and raving, the belligerent man cooled down considerably, though still very upset.  Isn’t it difficult to keep yelling at someone if they aren’t yelling back, fueling the fire? 

I wonder if the seemingly unfortunate accident, not done on purpose, could really be a gift in disguise if recognized and accepted it as such.  It’s crazy our Clinging to things, where we can wrap up our whole identity with this or that.  Is it possible that the man with the sports car felt somehow diminished himself by the damage his car received?  Whatever we happen to be Clinging to, perhaps it’s our looks, age, or physical health, isn’t it possible that wrapping up our identity, sense of worth, and value in anything other than our internal, timeless self is a recipe for disaster, at very least anxiety and stress, as nothing in this world is ever permanent?  Ask yourself in the heat of your or someone else’s anxiety, stress, or even anger, will any of this matter 100 years from now?  Heck, for that matter, will it even matter one year from now?  Always consider the bigger, longer term perspective on things.  What’s truly important this very moment, whatever happens to be going on?  Are you present, aware, or out of your mind?  Can you still appreciate all life has to offer in the moment of chaos?  I know, easier said than done, right?

"Giving for Absolutely No Reason At All"

A few weeks ago Kim, Isaac, and I, short on time, were in the side-by-side drive through line at Chick-fil-A picking up some lunch.  You could hear the lady next to us ordering simultaneously.  I finished ordering and lurched forward, intent on necking down to the single lane for pickup just as the lady next to us did the same.  As both of us immediately stopped, I looked over and the lady smiled, waiving me forward.  I did similarly, "No, please".  "Thank you," she said and moved ahead of us.

Up ahead at the register, we prepared to pay.  "The customer in front already paid for you, sir".  "Really," I asked?  "Yes sir, have a nice day."  I looked forward, hoping to see the car that had just been in front of us in line to somehow say thank you.  I looked backward.  No one in line behind us.  Kim and I looked at each other.  I guess giving for no reason isn't dead after all.  We smiled.  Time for me to do likewise.  How have you given to someone today for absolutely no reason at all?

"My Chair!?"

For several years I've been 'Chasing' the "perfect" leather recliner, where I can just sit and be, completely comfortable, reading, napping, visiting, or watching TV.  Picky as I can be though, finding that chair has proven elusive.  I wanted a chair I could keep for a lifetime and finally Kim thought she had found it online for my birthday this year, meeting every single one of my, and her, many requirements.  As we waited anxiously for several weeks, I routinely teased her playfully, moaning, "My chair!?" Every time she looked at me with those sweet eyes, "It's coming".  The chair finally arrived.  We unpacked and assembled it, our excitement growing.  I sat down..."Hmmm...it doesn't rock?" "What?!"  Kim was clearly annoyed.  The company sent the wrong chair.  To add to our dismay, the one advertised on the website didn't even exist, a mistake on their website.  My desire at 'Controlling' the circumstances set in, only to realize the futility.  "Maybe I'm not supposed to have an easy chair", I said, 'Accepting' the situation.  I bellowed out, "My chair!?"  My effort to 'Be Playful' wasn't getting Kim to smile. 

More diligent than ever, we began our search, store after store, until finally we found the chair of chairs, perfect in every way.  We ordered it in the color we wanted and three weeks later it finally arrived.  After assembly and the excitement in believing we finally had it, I noticed to my dismay a large, 4 inch gash in the leather on the top of the chair.  Once more I bellowed, "My chair!?" 

All of a sudden it dawned on me the ridiculousness of my efforts at 'Controlling' my circumstances and 'Chasing' that perfect chair.  Of course we could call the company to make it right (we did and they are), but regardless, it would be perfect just like it is.  After all, I'm 'Complaining' over an easy chair for heavens sake, when countless millions across our planet don't have a home to live in, much less a chair to sit on.  Are you kidding me.  How comfortable does my behind have to be?  'Be Grateful and Content', I reminded myself.  And then the irony set in.  As I sat for many minutes thoroughly enjoying that first sit in my new chair, I looked over at Kim on our couch, where we used to sit together side by side so often.  All at once I realized the folly in my thinking.  I missed sitting next to my best friend, my soul mate.  Six feet was just too far away, despite how comfortable the chair.  "You mind if I come join you babe?"  A big grin came to her face, "Sure".  Maybe I should have ordered a chair for two.