THURSDAY THOUGHTS - ...and a Tall Icy Cold Coke!

Guest Post:

A few weeks ago, I was busy preparing for my son’s visit from New York City. I set about my tasks, knowing that when they were finished I would reward myself with a tall, icy cold Coca Cola…..my sinful indulgence. I cleaned the guest room and bathroom along with the rest of the house, made a grocery list, purchased the needed items, got an extra $100 in cash for our trip south, and ended up at the nearest Harward’s Corn stand to get corn for our BBQ on Labor Day. My last stop was Shirley’s Bakery in Provo to get our family’s favorite rolls. I found myself getting excited because my tall, icy cold Coke was almost within reach.

Upon my arrival at Shirley’s I noticed my wallet was missing. I searched the car and surrounding area thoroughly and then retraced my route, driving back to Harward’s where I asked the attendant at the corn stand if he had seen a stray wallet. All of this was to no avail, and as I thought of the $100 cash (I rarely carry that much) and my debit and credit cards, I got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. To make things worse, the change in my ash tray was not even close the small amount I needed to purchase my long awaited tall, icy cold Coke! That fact alone was more frustrating to me than the entire wallet scenario…go figure! I quickly canceled both cards and was relieved to find that no fraud had been attempted.

As the reality of the situation set in, I realized I would have to buy food and gas with cash on our trip. “What a PAIN!” I thought. “ and what poor timing!  Oh well, it is what it is, so lets go to plan B.” After taking a deep breath, however, and gaining some control over my thought processes, I began to see this situation through a more healthy perspective. Sure I was out $100 and had to replace my wallet and cards, but I could still take my trip and enjoy time with my son. More importantly, we have a precious new granddaughter and another grandchild on the way. I am Cancer free, healthy and able to work. I have a job I enjoy, a family to love and strong faith to guide my life.

William Plumer once said, “Be patient in the little things. Learn to meet every day trials quietly and calmly and then, when unforeseen trouble or calamity comes, your strength will not fail you.” My wallet was returned that evening minus the cash and debit card, but it had my driver’s license, so that was helpful. Although this situation was quite stressful and very annoying, in the grand scheme of things, it was really pretty small. I had a great trip with my son, paid cash for all my gas, and got a tall icy cold Coke each time I filled my gas tank! Life is good indeed.

Kathy Christensen