In
a moment, I’m going to ask you to pause and look away from whatever
you’re looking at to read this. (In a moment. There’s a challenge
I’m going to extend first…)
When
you do, I want you to pick out three things. I want you to consider
them. Do they have meaning to you? What do you know about them?
Ready?
Ok…
go…
For
me, right now I happen to be sitting in what we’ve set up as the
home office. There are all sorts of knickknacks around the room.
Many of them Terry and I have collected from our travels.
First
one that strikes me is a wooden lion. Terry and I had gone on
a trip to visit my sister in Australia. Back at home, we had begun
collecting unusual animal trinkets. Hard to explain, easier to
show, but essentially the idea of the collection was that we wanted
to gather things that involved taking them a step beyond a basic
carving or statue. We were looking for unique and different. This
lion has belly that has been carved out, with an intricate pattern
in place, and inside of it is another lion.
Second
one is a glass Christmas ornament. A pair of glass ornaments actually,
one for me and another for Terry. We made them one year when the
full family was together. Sister had arranged a glass blowing
activity for the entire gang as a present that year. In addition
to the great family moment, a small side moment took place. Terry
and I love engaging in the license plate game on trips. On this
day, the brother-in-law, Nick, spotted a plate from Alaska. Not
a bad catch on a small street in Rhode Island.
For
number three, I’m going with Pooh and Tigger. Or, more specifically,
a wedding cake topper. It’s from our wedding. Not only was it
made by Terry, but we used Pooh and Tigger as the source of nicknames
for each other, and for our wedding the pair became stand-ins
for us. On that topper are figurines of the duo.
Three
items. We have a trip from New England in the United States around
the planet to Australia. We have special family moments and significance.
And, we have a casual smile. Not too bad.
Now
the challenge may not seem that fair to you. Perhaps you had your
phone or tablet out and are reading this essay while spending
some time on a bus or a train. No personal items nearby. And that
in general would be a good point.
But
what about the next street sign? Why was it given that name?
And
how about the buildings you might be able to see?
I
could go on, but the reality is that whatever you focus on may
have a history that surprises you. A story. But for you, well,
you’ve been staring at your phone and have never before given
it any thought at all.
I
admit, not everything has to have some amazing significance. All
the items around you do not have a backstory. Occasionally, the
stapler on your desk is only there because you have times when
you need a stapler. Not all of our coffee mugs are purchased for
any reason beyond needing something for a hot beverage.
Occasionally
though, there is a story that might interest you. And when you’re
inside your own home, that story might mean a smile or two.
Never
be afraid to take a moment to learn something… or to smile.