Lessons in Gratitude Day 59

Today has been one of unexpected blessings. I woke in a somewhat uncertain mood. I had household kinds of things to do and an invitation/nudge of encouragement to go participate in a outdoor festival. I definitely wasn’t feeling particularly social–I still had somewhat of a “hangover” from my mood the previous evening. Nevertheless I had a really good meditation period this morning and started into my laundry. When it came time to take Jared to work, I decided that I would drop him off and go check out the festival. It was unusual for me to go to something like this by myself, but I decided to push past my normal reluctance and go check it out.

I stayed for about an hour, first wandering to many of the booths on the perimeter, then standing and watching a musical performance by a local group whom I enjoy listening to. Once they finished playing, I found myself sort of at loose ends. I was surrounded by people I didn’t know and was by myself. As an introvert, these are the types of situations I try to avoid at all costs. Nevertheless, in the spirit of doing something out of my comfort zone, I’d given it a shot. I came, I listened and saw, I started for home.

Then I realized that my friend Roland lived somewhere near the park where the festival was being held. On a chance that I might actually find him home, I texted him. A few minutes later he called me, told me where to meet him and he picked me up and took me to his place. I spent the next few hours chatting and having dinner with him and his partner Jerry, who cooked a marvelous meal. I hadn’t spent time with Roland in over two months–his life had gotten incredibly busy with work and we hadn’t been able to connect. Today I am so grateful to have been able to rectify that. I was grateful to that he was available for an impromptu visit, and Jerry whipped up an excellent dinner as if my coming had been planned.

I was glad to have listened to that nudge to step out of myself and go over to Oakland for the festival. For me the festival itself was a bust. It would have been just like me (the old me) to leave feeling somewhat out of sorts, drive all the way back home without stopping for dinner (even though I was hungry), and sit in the house watching a horrible pre-season football game on television. But the current me, the one who is reaching out more, took a chance and was rewarded with a fun, relaxing evening.

I so appreciate my friend Roland. He is easy to spend time with, talk and listen with, and just enjoy his presence. It was also great hanging out with him and Jerry at their home and getting to know Jerry a little better. I am reminded again at how rich my life is when I stop to consider the friendships I’ve made. They are the treasures who, along with family, have sustained me through challenging times and who will celebrate with me when things ease up. As we prepared to part this evening, I promised Roland that we’d not let two more months go by before we spend time together again. And we won’t. I also am aware that I’ve allowed a few other connections to lapse and that I need to reconnect with a few other folks I haven’t seen for a while. I reckon tomorrow I’ll be picking up the phone.

I’m looking forward to the week ahead. At the moment, I have no interviews, no job prospects, and with the arrival of the first of the month, rent and a bunch of bills are due. But I know that change is  in the wind and that better times are ahead. I need to patiently continue doing the things I’ve been doing, adding or modifying a few of them, and keep the faith. Slowly but surely I’ve realized I still have it. And that’s a good thing.