Pebbles
I awakened to the sound of doves outside my window this morning. I watched them walk across the window sill, they paused to look at me through the window and then flew off to find a mate.
The sun is shining here in Texas, the temperature is a balmy 78 degrees.
I checked the weather conditions back home in Escalante. Burrrrr, it is cold. Today, is a good day to be here.
I decided to take a walk down to the park. My brother in law was walking with me. He walks faster than me so I have to push myself to keep up.
I got a small rock in my shoe. At first it didn’t bother me but as I walked, it began to irritate my foot.
I thought I could wait until we got back to take off my shoe and shake out the pebble but my pain was increasing with each step.
When I stopped, my brother in law continued on unaware.
I watched as the distance between us grew greater and greater.
With the rock out of my shoe, I hurried to catch up. As I got closer I noticed he was carrying on a conversation as though I was next to him.
I laughed a little and took my place next to him.
I wondered, should I tell him?
Nah, why make him feel bad.
There have been people in my life who have been like that pebble. I thought I could stand the discomfort until it was more convenient to remove them.
Today I think differently.
I stop often for pebbles.
Some to pick up, others to discard.
Life has been like that for me.
I have a small rock in my pocket right now. I picked it up in Hawaii. It is a reminder of a magical journey.
There will be other pebbles and other journeys.
It is my choice of which to pick up and which to discard.
