Hubby and I had this afternoon all planned. We were supposed to meet friends at the Celtic Festival in Bethlehem. Rain changed that. Not a downpour, just a gentle spritz, hardly worth worrying about, but enough to make it more appealing to be indoors than out. So we cancelled. We missed seeing the games, hearing the music, eating the food and (by far the most important) being with good friends. We gave up all that.
What did we gain? Half a day of unplanned time–an unexpected, but truly welcome gift. What were we to do with this windfall? There were plenty of options. We could use it to work on one of the many projects on our “to do” list. I could write…maybe as many as 1000 words in my WIP (I'd be happy with less). Or I could do something nice for someone else-like bake cookies for our neighbors who are moving soon. (I know. That’s what I’d do if I were a really nice person.) As I said, there were plenty of options.
What did we actually do with this marvelous gift? Well, we pretty much wasted it. We read the paper. Looked out the window. Watched squirrels and bluejays argue over the birdfeeder until a deer came and chased them both away. We had a long conversation with many pauses and no rush to finish a thought before one of us dashed off to do something important.
And now this lazy day is almost gone. That’s OK. I’m ready to relinquish my unplanned time and think about tomorrow and the things on the calendar for the coming week. Not that we’re jet setters; none of our planned activities will change the world, but they are commitments and we will keep them. We’ll complain but, truth be told, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
So, about the gift we were given–do I feel guilty that we don’t have more to show for it? Not at all. I’m convinced we spent it in the best possible way. Sometimes wasting time is a balm to the soul. That’s how it felt today.
I recommend you try it some time.
4 comments:
I think we must be brainwashed into thinking every moment of our time must be used productively. It doesn't, and this is specially true for creative artists. Productiveity for an artist can't be measured in dollars and cents or hours spent sitting at a desk. Our brains and bodies need to be refreshed and relaxed on a regular basis. I don't think anyone should feel guilty about pottering about the way you describe on a day which is yours to do with as you please. It sounded lovely!
Actually, it was lovely. I believe you're right about the brainwashing bit. I worry sometimes about children who have every second of their day filled with activity planned by someone else. We all need time to daydream.
I enjoy staying home alone with the Hub. The slow reconencting after a long week of work and "have-tos" is wonderful.
It truly is a gift. Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks, Kathye.
Post a Comment