Annoyed by Imperfection

 

"There are no uninteresting things, only uninterested people."

G.K. Chesterton

In earlier life, I owned a small country gift shop, The Town Crier.  I engaged with diverse artists and the small cottage industry for third generation weavers, basket makers, and candle makers. I haunted festivals seeking original crafters to bring unique gifts to those who frequented my shop.

While unpacking a shipment of baskets, I noticed a mold looking substance on the reeds and began picking it off. I was annoyed by the imperfection, until I finally realized, the one of a kind baskets were made of pussy willows. I was horror stricken that I had been overlooking the true originality of the offering. I was carelessly tearing it apart.

And is this not like life? With closed minds and preconceived ideas, we make false assumptions. Our thoughts are inaccurate causing our actions to devalue the richness waiting right before us. Perhaps, if we simply slowed down, looked more carefully, listened more intently, our lives would be filled with more happiness and joy.