I read a story many years ago about a couple who built their dream home on acreage along a mighty river. We’ll call them Nancy and Patrick.
They were both professionals, making good money and enjoying life. But as retirement age grew near, they began dreaming of a more relaxing life where they’d sit on the large veranda, sip mint juleps, and watch the river flow by.
Nancy and Patrick’s children and grandchildren were scattered all over the globe. They had always assumed they’d travel to visit when they had the time. But for now, their time was spent working demanding, full-time jobs and maintaining their home and gardens.
Then, without warning, the unthinkable happened: a sudden raging storm caused the river to overflow its banks. This happened without warning while Nancy and Patrick were at work. Within moments, the rising waters claimed the home they built and treasured. They lost everything. All they had left were the clothes on their backs.
They spent months agonizing over their loss while clearing away the remains of their beautiful home, negotiating the insurance settlement, and finding a place to live. During this time, Nancy and Patrick developed a routine of bringing their camp chairs to the property where they’d sit, sip their mint juleps, and chat about their day while watching the river flow by.
You never know what will be the consequence of the misfortune; or, you never know what will be the consequences of good fortune.
~Alan Watts
One evening, while enjoying this ritual and discussing their next move, it dawned on them that, strangely enough, this might be a blessing. The rubble of what was once their home had long been cleared, the insurance claim resolved, and they found a cute little bungalow nearby to rent.
Now they spoke of taking the trips to visit kids, plans they’d long shelved. And for maybe the first time, they could admit how much work it took to maintain their home and gardens. Their high-pressure jobs were taxing, and when they came home, there were the many household tasks that constantly needed their attention.
As much as they loved that house and the precious gardens, Nancy and Patrick were ready to move on; now they could plan those trips to visit family, see new places, and have new adventures.
Yes, the river consumed the house, but now they see the moon.
As you learn to trust yourself, something miraculous happens. You begin to trust the process you are living and the miracles life brings!
~Iyanla Vanzant