For goodness’ sake
Confession: I’m not good at doing things “just because”. When I had writer’s block every the other day, my bestie Val said something insightful, something my husband has said many times, something anyone who knows me well knows I struggle with, which I’m sure is why they said it.
“Just write for writing’s sake.”
Like the line in the Christmas carol, “oh, be good for goodness’ sake!” But we all know it’s not really for goodness’ sake, it’s so Santa will like us and bring us lots of loot when he Comes to Town. And I think I translate all of life into that old song, that I can’t just write for writing’s sake, be creative for creative’s sake, be good for goodness’ sake. I can’t just enjoy and relish these gifts and talents, there’s got to be a purpose.
Which might have some validity. After all, there’s nothing more heart-wrenching than seeing purposeless people stumble through their days groggily, forgetting to even long for meaning, let alone achieve it. But is it not equally sad to see someone (ahem – yours truly) who can’t enjoy the little moments because the chains of destiny are too heavy?
Today was the kind of day that could cure me of my John Locke-like way of thinking. (By the way, how cool is it that a fictional character has a Wiki page?) It was just the kind of inconsequential day that is so easy to enjoy. My students were happy, the weather was sunny and breezy and pleasantly spring-like, the horses were behaving themselves and my “staff” of volunteers were joyous and companionable. Nothing happened of particular importance, no great breakthroughs were achieved. Casey clapped his little hands in excitement when he got the right colors matched up in the arena – his tiny feet sticking straight out from Boots’ broad back and his crooked smile melting our hearts. John smiled when I told him how handsome he was sitting up so tall like a cowboy, and puffed out his chest until I feared he might literally burst with pride. Carlos, as always, laughed and grinned is way through his lesson, giving little “ah”s of wonder when his horse shifted her body and her muscles rippled underneath him.
It was a “just because” day, a lovely, buttercream frosting swirl of a day – good for goodness’ sake.
*Once again, names are changed to protect my kidlets.