I woke again this morning in an empty hotel room. Just in a different city. I’ve always traveled a lot at Union Mission making regular trips to Atlanta and Washington but have also had occasion to go almost everywhere. So I’m used to waking up alone in hotel rooms.
Over the past few months though I’ve grown accustomed to waking up at home with Goddess snoring beside the bed. Then it’s a bike ride to the Breakfast Club and then to the ocean to start my day. From July until this past week I haven’t traveled anywhere other than a quick trip to Chicago. It’s the longest amount of time that I’ve simply spent at home.
I’m taking a break from the Sabbatical that I’ve been on, returning home tomorrow before leaving again on Tuesday for the rest of the week. Last week was good for me as I’ve felt revived and had good talks with peers who are advising and helping me put together the plans for what I’m doing next.
Then Conner and I hooked up and he and I always have fun. I remember some of what we actually did, but we’ll be together again in a couple of weeks in St. Martin and there will be new adventures setting sail with Captain Morgan and Hania.
Last night was with the kids and Athens friends. It is homecoming at the University of Georgia so we watched the parade and went out to dinner. Afterwards they had other things that they wanted to do so I commanded the room for myself for the first time that I can remember.
Now I sip coffee in silence and contemplate things. I’ve got a couple of friends who are going through life transitions that are just as major as the ones that I am navigating. Both have reached out to me over the past couple of days asking for guidance and telling me what is going on with them. Sadness abounds in these conversations.
I don’t mind listening to them. The other day I was talking to my Mom and we both noted that nobody likes to hear anyone describe things that are wrong in their lives. People just want to ignore bad times because it may prove to be contagious.
Once my friend Frank Stanton asked me how I was doing. When I began to tell him, he held up his hand to stop me from talking and said, “Mike, I was just being nice. I really don’t want to know.”
He was poking fun but I do believe that is how most folks are. They don’t want to know.
So I’m thinking about my friends this morning as they make themselves get through unwanted changes. I think about where I am now, calmer and quieter than I was just a few months ago. I’ve learned who my friends really are and remain surprised at the number who aren’t. I’ve let go of a great deal of pretense that once ruled my persona. I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings and linger over them rather than rush pass them. I’ve learned to let things come to me rather than chase after them.
Now I’m trying to reframe the changes that have occurred in my life. I am a big believer that life is a gift that each of us shares and none of us asked for. We don’t know how long we get to keep it or how long it will last. The people in our lives and the things that we do are also gifts and we don’t know how long any of them remain. But one thing is certain … gifts don’t last forever.
People come and people go. Jobs end and adventures begin. I think that the trick it to be thankful for what you’ve had (even if it would be your preference to still have it), appreciate the hell out of what you’ve got (friends, places, things to do), and to do your best to prepare yourself for whatever is coming your way (hopefully better days).
At least that’s what I’m trying to do.
