Good day, writer friends! Sherry Kyle here, writing from central California.
For the last six weeks I’ve been living in chaos. I
shouldn’t complain since the reason is a positive one—we’re remodeling our
kitchen—but it’s been trying at best. The demolition started August 17th,
and there have been workers in and out of my house ever since. I’ve scrubbed
dishes in the shower, searched for things hidden in boxes, and now know the
best microwaveable food my grocery store supplies. In the grand scheme of
things, today is a big day. The granite is going to be sealed. We’re almost
there!
A couple of the most difficult parts of this kitchen remodel
have been canceling on my friends and making sure my schedule is clear. I know
some women don’t mind workers in their home while they’re away, but I like to
know everything that’s going on. Plus, they shoot a lot of questions my way. If
I worked outside the home, my cell phone would be ringing nonstop. Or maybe
because I write from home, they feel the freedom to interrupt me at every turn.
And the power tools . . . don’t get me started!
The other day I’d had enough. I belong to a small group of writers
that meet once a month for lunch and at this point in the remodeling
process, I needed it more than ever. I enjoy these ladies and the encouragement
we share. As the morning ticked by, I made a decision. I was going to lunch and
no one was going to stop me! I left a door unlocked, called our contractor, and
told him I would be gone for a couple of hours. There, I’d done it! I was FREE.
After eating lunch and running a few errands, I pulled up to
my driveway. There were no trucks in sight. Once inside, my heart sank when I discovered
no work had been done while I’d been gone. I was so glad I’d gone out to lunch
instead of waiting around for my cell phone to ring or workers to show up.
This realization got me thinking. How many times do I wait
for the “right time” to spend with friends? The fact is we all lead busy lives.
If you’re like me, you have to mark your calendar to spend time with your
friends or it just won’t happen. Add in a remodeling project, health or money
issues, a death in the family, busy family life, a writing deadline, etc. and it’s a miracle we
have time to talk to one another. (I'm talking about real live people, not just the virtual ones.) What about you? What stops you from spending
time with friends?
"One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." ~ Proverbs 18:24
