Appreciating in the moment.

Last night, I had unexpected company. My sister is staying with me through her transition to Austin, TX and let's face it, everyone loves my sister.

So on a Friday evening, when I am more than used to my nose in a book and my feet under the dog, this Friday was very different. Unexpected and unplanned, at 6pm I had a house full of friends, a sink full of tamales and plans for dinner and a movie.

One of my visitors, Theresa, kept me company in the kitchen while we dished out food and drinks. I noticed that as we moved about, Theresa was moving quickly. Quickly enough to make me nervous. I smiled for a moment, then touched her arm before she hastily turned sauce in a bowl so swiftly it nearly slopped over the side.

"Where's the fire, Theresa?"

She stopped for a moment to think, then we both burst into laughter. It was a Friday evening. No more work. No more deadlines. Plenty of issues. Plenty of things on everyone's mind. All different. All important, but inconsequential to the evening. Nowhere to go. Nothing to do. And yet, Theresa was stirring that sauce as if the world was going to end fifteen minutes before our selected movie would.

We made a commitment in the moment to slow the hell down. Immediately. We stated it at first, then held each other accountable when the temptation to "speed up" took hold. Soon, the rest of the folks in the house took on the same commitment, either spoken or unspoken. Lines softened on foreheads, worried frowns curled into sneaky grins as we took turns reliving some of our most embarrassing moments all together, or independently.

By the time the movie began, everyone's problems and woes and worries and wants were a million miles away. Folks found their favorite relaxation posts, lights were turned down...

In that moment, we had all the time in the world.

Sometimes I forget to appreciate the most simple haves, because all I can ponder are the have nots. Like looking around me, seeing laughing faces and sparkling eyes, despite it all. Like eating a good meal and really tasting the love that went into the preparation. Like being hugged by a friend...just because. Like a moment when everyone is touched by the very same emotion. Those moments don't last forever, but they stay a lot longer when you're not looking on the horizon for what's to come.

Perhaps there is something to be said for allowing yourself to enjoy exactly where you are. Perfect, or not.