“Please take your seat.  The show is about to begin.” Oh how I have waited with much anticipation to hear those words many times over the years.  So off I have gone to find that numbered seat and sat down and waited for the curtain to rise or the band to start with a favorite tune.  I can say for most of those performances it was worth the wait.  As I have aged I find that I should have taken the same perception in my life all these years and simply taken a seat.

If you look at this swing you will note that it is sturdy and appears strong.  It is certainly weathered but the look still is unique.  It has undeniably stood the test of time.  It has withstood extremely strong winds, pelting rains, sweltering heat and has been hidden by snowdrifts.  The seat of the swing it still graciously accepts a person or two.  Even though it looks rough it is welcoming in the shade under the arms of the big old tree it has sat beside all these years.  Sitting there in the early fall evening I can feel the warm sun rays as they were peeking through the woods on my back.  Across the way I see the autumn colors reflected back on the peaceful lake.  The corn field alongside the tree row gives off a red glow along the top as if carpet had been laid.  I can just feel the anticipation of the raccoons waiting for sunset so they can bring home supper from that field of corn.  Quietly the doe brings her two little ones on their nightly walk from the north end of the yard to the lake.  My seat tonight has been front row to immense peace and utter beauty.
In the peace it is easy to look back at the seats I have taken during my life…daughter, mom, sister, wife, and friend.  Each of those seats that I sat in were not always easy and I did not always have shining moments but during those more unpolished times is when I learned the most.  I quietly reflect and find immense joy through my children and now my grandchildren and realize that changing seats is not something I no longer would want to do.  Those seats brought me to where I am and to who I am today.  I am sturdy and most of the time I am strong, but I allow myself the gift of grace to feel weak when I simply cannot be that tough soul.   I am a “little” weathered, definitely unique, and I have stood the test of time.  

At this point in my life I am now going to “take my seat.” The show has begun and I am now enjoying it immensely from the front row.