SUFFERING OR SITTING
Is patience learned from suffering long for what is lacking or sitting long with what is present?
I can assure you that you will be no closer to answering this question when you finish reading these four hundred words or so than you are now. You might even wonder if there is a difference. I pose the question to try to help clarify whether there is a difference and if so, where are you (Me)?
I have had ample time to practice suffering long and/or sitting long recently. There were days and nights – sometimes for a moment, sometimes hours – when I suffered long wishing for what I could not do rather than sitting long doing and celebrating what I could do. I threw myself a few “3PM” parties, POOR, POOR, PITIFUL ME (not original to me but apropos). These parties may be necessary occasionally, but don’t go and stay too long. They are the kind of party where one shows up, greets the host (whatever is bothering, hurting, or postponing wholesome and healthy living) and leaves. The goal of attendance at any “3PM” party especially your own is a quick departure. The appetizers, drinks and decoration at these parties are specially designed to make one aware of what they are lacking and to keep you there. Whatever you do don’t dance with anyone because they/it will suck you in deeper to proclaiming “POOR, POOR, PITIFUL ME.”
The kill switch for a “3PM” party is so simple that I am almost embarrassed to share it with you. Whenever, I find myself lingering at my own party, I look for someone or something that isn’t cloaked in “what is lacking” but beautifully draped in the awareness of what is “on hand.” Sometimes it is a friend who is watching me silently and waiting to be noticed so that they may offer a word of encouragement. Other times, I can look at something as simple as my feet and say to myself “These beauties walked me into this party, and they can walk me out.” Gratitude for friends and for the fortitude found within are the portals of light that can lead me away from the darkness of my “3PM” party.
What I lack and what I have doesn’t change. My attention to one or the other determines whether I am sitting or suffering. Only you can decide which will be your mode of transportation to patience.
PONDER THIS THOUGHT---Pay attention to your intentions.
Thanks for reminding me that I have options.