Lost Keys

I had an appointment in Denver this past week.  I lay out everything I think I will need the night before.  I am up hours ahead of time.  Cup of hot coffee, bowl of oatmeal, and a full 45 minutes before I need to leave I cannot find the keys to the big jeep.   Arghh..

I take a big deep breath and try to back track and find out where the keys are.  After 10 minutes, I wake mom up and we will both start looking for the keys.  And about the 30 minute mark, I start to lose my perspective on the day.  I start to get grouchy and I start to feel like I cannot catch a break. 

Cannot catch a break?  I am not even sure where this voice comes from in my head.  By any measure I am blessed with all the things and people I have in my life.   I could have not imagined that my life would have been this full and successful - and most important..I am not dead yet. 

I have to take a step back, get the keys to the small jeep. and pour a fresh cup of coffee.  Your mom is sitting across from me (you know she is not a morning person) with that infinite patience she has at times like this.  She is telling me not to let it ruin my day.  I can look at her and still have the good grace to feel like an idiot.  I have caught more breaks than anyone I know.

There are those days when you only find perspective in hindsight.  Hopefully on 9 out of 10 bad days you can realize how insignificant those lost keys are.  On those days when you think you can't catch a break you are most likely catching a HUGE break.  It is Gods way of getting you to stop and smell the roses.  In my case sitting across the table from your mom made me realize how much of a break I always  catch.

Lately the black hole in the house has consumed my wallet, visa card, eyeglasses, keys to all of the vehicles, and warranty paperwork.  The black hole can have them. 

So when it happens and you reach that "I can't catch a break" stage realize what a huge break you are catching.   Don't agonize over plan B.  embrace it and move on.  Take a minute and say a quick prayer of thanks for all of the breaks you catch every day.  Make a point to look at the day with brand new eyes. Some days I have to swear at inanimate objects before I move on.  Yes, it can be embarrassing but a hearty f**k you keys, sometimes does the trick.

The keys by the way were on the top of the washer under my coat.


Love Dad