"On Seeing What is There" by Grateful Seeker

I was bone-tired.  After more than a month of continuous deadlines, obligations, preparations and enjoyable visits, I had no meetings, no phone calls, no pressing time commitments.  

Sitting comfortably with my brother and his lovely wife in their home, I relaxed into the warmth of the easy chair and reflected on the day.  I had come to visit them, and to watch my grandson compete in the Frostbite Regatta, held in Wichita on a bend in the Little Arkansas River.  

This is my grandson’s first year on crew, but he loves it and has a talent for the sport.  He holds the position of “stroke”, which means he sets the pace for other rowers.  His mom was there, helping the teams prepare for the race heats.  We had all joined her on a bridge above the river for a good view of the event, which lived up to its name “Frostbite Regatta”; cold and windy.

Now it was evening, a generous full moon had risen from the horizon, and we could all relax into the comfort of the warm sitting room.  Fatigue overcame me.  I asked to be excused to retire to my little suite, have a warm bath, and retire to bed.

 The guestroom accommodations are charming.  My brother and his wife live in the home originally built by my grandfather, and extensively renovated to be a beautiful contemporary farm house.  They transformed my grandfather’s bedroom and a parlor into a guest bedroom and adjoining bath.  The furnishings are antique, and tastefully appointed.

I gathered items from my suitcase and stepped into the bathroom.  Before running the bath, I should locate a bath towel.  I looked below the sink and in an adjoining storage area below the counter.  That’s where I keep bath towels at my house.  No towels. 

 

Not wanting to bother my brother and his wife, but needing a bath towel, I reluctantly returned to the sitting area and asked where the towels are kept.  They both looked a bit startled and followed me back to the bathroom.  There, they pointed out a tall built-in cupboard right beside where I had looked.  Opening the door, I was presented with the sight of every manner of linens: fluffy towels and washcloths, crisp table linens, colorful spreads and more.

The obvious lesson for me was “If you need something, step out of your zone of expectations and habits.  Open your eyes and see what is there!” Every once in a while, we need a good virtual “knock in the head” from the universe, and that was a good one for me.  Now I’m trying to raise my awareness in other areas as well, to fully participate in the creative potential of life and notice more of what is there all around me.   --  Elder Grateful Seeker

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