Assisted living

I got out of the pit yesterday in time for a business meeting at 3:30. As I was driving to the meeting, I hoped that the nice man at the coffee shop would be behind the counter. Talking with him always gives me a lift - and he was there! As I placed my coffee-cookie order, he showed me a picture of himself in his Halloween costume (an undershirt and a magnificent cowboy hat) and we laughed at how terrific he looked in such a simple getup.

This little encounter swept away the cobwebs of despond and I was able to be present for the meeting. I don't know this man's name, and he doesn't know mine. We became "friends" when one day I stepped out of our anonymity and commented on his weight loss. He was so happy that his efforts were noticed that we made a nice connection. Now we always share a little something with each other when I come in for a coffee, and our little exchanges create happiness.

The 3:30 meeting went well, but was for the purpose of addressing the dregs of a long-term consulting project - dealing with the dregs, completing details with integrity. The only juice left in it is the bonus of finishing a project well.

Another meeting, this morning - at another coffee shop - was quite a different opening. Different consultants, new commitments, and a fresh opportunity to be part of something wonderful with a lasting benefit to another entire country: Indonesia, a place dear to my heart since I traveled there long ago.

Something is afoot. Something is turning. Perhaps "I" am steering something after all, though not in the familiar ways of planning and implementation. It seems my passion and purpose are creating my future even in unlikely circumstances.

Don't shoot me yet.