I believe that opportunity knocks on the door of every encounter. Each person I meet offers me the chance to connect in friendship, offer my services, share a smile, or simply be present to observe life, understanding who I am in this moment. I've shared some of the insights Opportunity offered in the essays compiled in Welcome to My Weird, Reflections of a Realistic Mystic.
Today Opportunity wanted to remind me to enjoy discernment. Her first lesson seemed to be "Ears open, mouth shut." I began the day having breakfast in a coffee shop before taking the car to be services. Directly behind me a minister began counseling someone about dealing with a loved one whose expression of faith differs from theirs. As my desire rose to remind them that every expression of faith and love is valid, the soundtrack in the shop began the ostinato that introduces Michael Jackson singing "Beat It." Opportunity urged me to "Get up and dance!" instead of introducing myself to the men who were earnestly trying to untangle their differences. I laughed at Opportunity's reminder~ "MYOB: Mind Your Own Business!"
When I'm alone traveling or running errands where I'll have to wait, I bring my Kindle, some crocheting, a journal, and a sketch pad. I plug in my ear buds and listen to music while I write or work on a project. This morning I forgot the ear buds. I was way too distracted by the sights and sounds around me to start my project; Opportunity allowed me to amuse myself by telling myself stories about the people around me. I started with the guy who strolled in with a computer case, wearing a seersucker suit, white shirt, bow tie, and black baseball cap. He took off his jacket and, in short sleeves, he looked like a Good Humor man about to audition for Shylock (since he was too slim to play Tevye). The shop manager made at least four cups of coffee in ten minutes. I was curious that he never came out to use the rest room, and I know from past visits that the service staff uses it, along with those of us who are waiting. I thought of old jokes about hollow legs.
Apparently, ALL of us in the waiting area forgot our ear buds. When Headline News used a pop song as an interstitial, every single one of us in the waiting area stopped what we're doing and looked at the TV. (It would be a hoot to video that...like flamingos all turning their necks at once.)
After an hour of waiting, Opportunity offered me a decision: replace our front brakes or "wait, because they could last until almost winter." I decided to replace them now, since the service manager described exactly what I'd been experiencing without my telling him.
At about 2.5 hours into the morning, I wished Opportunity had reminded someone to bring their headset. EVERYONE but ME was talking on their cell phones. The din was so loud, I escaped to the rest room. (I was trying to count out 181 stitches and couldn't track ten at a time!)
When I came out, only Seersucker and Bow Tie Guy was speaking. I heard him giving a pitch, "If you're thinking about hospice care, I hope you'll consider our in-home services." Well, dayum...TODAY I didn't carry a copy of Grampa's Wings (which I often do). Not only that, but I was all decked out in my most casual jeans, a tee shirt, and hair BUT, Opportunity was knocking. I went over to him when finished his call and introduced myself as an author of a family book on death and transition.
"I'm Hank," he said, handing me his card: Dr. Hank Willner, Chief Medical Director of Holy Cross Hospice. (It's one of the largest hospitals in the region.) He asked if I was aware of the Hospice Foundation of America and told me that he was very proud of a video they'd posted, produced by a group of young people.
I came home, checked out the video, and emailed him to tell him how, as a former high school teacher, I was impressed by the clear message and creative animation the kids developed. I sent him an information package about the book and asked to meet with him and his bereavement specialist to present it as a resource. In the email, I did NOT promise to have my hair styled and appear in something other than jeans and a tee shirt, but I GUARANTEE that if he responds, I will wear a DRESS, heels, and makeup when I see him again.