This morning, when I started working on this piece, I was trying to decide between two topics. One of those was John Milton, English poet of yore, author of Paradise Lost. As I was reading some information on him, I lifted my full, freshly poured coffee cup to my mouth, and that is when it happened.
It was a silent sprite that did the deed. I never even saw him. But my cup, in slow motion, went spinning out of my hands, first upward slightly, then turning, tumbling, directly onto my lap. Just like those Bounty paper towel commercials. However, prior to the cup’s final destination, it managed to spew half of its steaming contents directly onto my keyboard and the rest onto my lap.
I should take a moment, here, to note. The second topic I was considering? “How do we start our days? Take a moment of peace when we first awake.”
While I am always slightly groggy when I first wake, it is often difficult for me to think about much besides getting out of bed and starting the day’s early routine, my work routine, which always begins at 3:30 a.m. That is when I like to go to my office, to drink coffee, and write.
This morning, I was plenty awake by the time I got to my computer, sifting quickly through my emails. One of them was a motivational piece regarding that exact topic. “How do we start our days?” In it, the author suggested that we “sit for a moment and appreciate the gift of a new day, create a peaceful thought and enjoy those same moments of silence throughout the whole day.”
I thought this might be a good thing to share with any of my readers who happened to drop by this day. I was thinking this should be a good practice for myself, as well. Always giving thanks for that which is around us.
I’ll turn back now to the dropped coffee incident.
My initial reaction was surprise. Then pain. My right upper thigh was slightly scalded. However, once I got my wits about me, I realized I’ve gotten older and maybe slightly wiser. Albeit, not any less clumsy.
In years past, I recognized that this would have upset me to no end. It may have even hindered a portion of my day, soured my mood, and on. But this morning, I realized that it was fairly easy to wipe up. I also saw that I am blessed enough to have another pair of pants to put on, a clean, warm pair. I realized that I am fortunate enough to have more coffee on hand. And finally, that I can get medical treatment if I should need it. Which I don’t. It is just a slight burn. And there is another gift. Things could have been much worse.
Most notably, as you may have acknowledged by now — my keyboard is still functional. The words that come out have nothing to do with the mechanics of the board. Those would be operator error, so blame those on me.
So this mishap, in the end, was filled with goodness. There are so many things to be thankful for, here, now.
I sit back now and reflect on those earlier words about starting our days in appreciation of the gift of the new day. And this is a good convention for me, as my life is blessed.
But whenever I hear such advice, I am reminded of all the people in the world who are suffering endlessly. The hungry, the homeless, the poor. Those who are ill and have no chance of recovery. The people in war-torn areas, or women who live in oppressive societies, in constant fear of being raped, beaten, or murdered without a second thought. I cannot help but think that there is no peace in their lives. And they seem to have no reason to be thankful for the start of another day, filled with treachery.
And.
And I do not understand.
I can only give good prayers for them in hopes that they can know peace. And stay thankful in my practice for all that I have been given.
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“Whenever you feel like criticizing any one…just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.”
― F. Scott Fitzgerald
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“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.”
― Henry Ward Beecher
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“Life is a web of intersections and choices. Your first choice is to recognize an intersection. Your second choice is to be grateful for it.”
― Ryan Lilly
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Hot coffee in my lap. Thankfully.
