Ordinary

May 19, 2015

There was nothing special about the afternoon. It was ordinary.

A list of things to do.

I was sitting in what we call "the school room", though you might call it a playroom or TV room. It's where we've kept the school supplies and our library. All of which I am currently packing.

I was scanning school papers (artwork, writing projects, etc.) from the fall of 2013 and winter 2014. Something I didn't have time to do before we left for our hike early last spring.

To accompany the rather mindless activity of scanning I was listening to CBC radio online, picking and choosing recent recordings of my favorite shows. Interviews with writers and musicians, radio hosts and their guests discussing ideas profound and moving, yet simple and universal.

I was present right there. Nothing spectacular, just life. A to-do list made enjoyable by thought-provoking, encouraging conversation.

It washed over me then, right there. Contentment. Not in chasing a new thing. Not in finishing, or starting, and certainly not in perfection of any kind. Just listening, doing, noticing. Appreciating.