Wednesday, June 21, 2006

It's all the in the timing

"One went to the door of the Beloved and knocked.
A voice asked, 'Who is there?'
He answered, 'It is I.'
The voice said, 'There is no room for Me and Thee.'

The door was shut.


After a year of solitude and deprivation he returned and knocked.

A voice from within asked, 'Who is there?'
The man said, 'It is Thee.'
The door was opened for him."

-- Jelaluddin Rumi


The poet Rumi apparently doesn't mind waiting.
For a year.
I, on the other hand, am not quite so wise.
I've been wondering why the printer hasn't come up with an estimate on my project after three weeks of waiting. I called yesterday ready to go pick up my things from them and find another company with a little more zip and an interest in the printing business.

The co-owner wife of the shop came to the phone and was all apology, "My husband, who was just putting your estimate together after going over those last details with you last week, was in a freak accident. A tree fell on him and he hasn't able to move until yesterday. I knew I should call you, but I've also needed to care for him."

I think I can wait some more. And be thankful for all the moving I've been able to do for the past seven days. Walking through the kitchen. Racing my children at swim team. Running in the park. Shopping for groceries. Strolling through my garden picking flowers and fruit.

My impatience does not become me. Everyday is a gift.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Ouch. Now we know the answer to the old question: If a tree falls in the woods . . . ?

Look at me, making a joke at another's expense. I hope he's well. Man, what a great story though.

Reminds me of the time my F-I-L got shot out of a tree as his two hairy arms were mistaken for squirrels.

I'm praying for grace within the waiting, True.

truevyne said...

Dear Scott,
Oh, I wish I didn't get just a bit tickled when you mentioned your uncle's arms looking like squirrels.
Thanks for grace prayers. I need all I can get.

Mama Duck said...

Oh. That does make you reconsider, how sad.

moderator said...

Hmmm - I hate it when I get a "reminder" like this, and I do get them, but it always puts that "it's all about me" back in perspective. Thank God for every day indeed.

Regina said...

When I saw you in the Carnival of Blogging Chicks and your description mentioned Rumi, I just had to visit. It is a wonderful poem and, oh, so many times, it has been relavatory to my life. Thanks for posting it... and yes, every day is a gift indeed.

tasra said...

So true, so true. Thanks for the bit of perspective this afternoon. I'm waiting for my book designer to finish my cover and it seem like we get delay after delay. It will be ready when it's ready. Thanks! Hang in there.

Tasra
http://realwomenscrap.typepad.com/

JenLo said...

Found you through BChicks. Good to get those reality checks once in a while.

michele said...

Oh that poor man! It does man you appreciate the freedom of movement we have when you hear of things like that happening. And you are being patient because there are people who would hear of his accident and take their business elsewhere.

Tracey said...

Found you through blogging chicks. What a story. It's stuff like this that makes us slow down some, now doesn't it?

Malissa said...

Stories like this remind me not to be so impatient and critical with people!
thanks for sharing
Visiting from the blogging chicks

crickl said...

There is something to be said for things that all-at-once get put into perspective...yikes! The poor guy.....hope you get your stuff soon.

Christina said...

Hi, stopping by from the BC carnival :)

Wow, the husband's really puts things in perspective! I sincerely hope that he is OK and makes a fairly speedy and painless recovery. Nothing quite like a tree falling on you to disrupt your plans...

I can definitely relate to impatience though. Stories like this remind me that there really isn't much point to it. But it doesn't always stop me.