Funny What We Forget

One benefit of cloud-based photo storage is that I can search by date and see the images I captured last year, two years ago, ten years ago.

Consider this photo from February 16, 2019. I saw it while scrolling through February 16 photos and it caused me to pause and wonder why I snapped it in the first place.

This looks like a terrible day, doesn't it? I feel stressed just looking at it. 

But you know what? I can't recall this day at all. I don't remember what caused the need for so much coffee and the level of disarray at my desk. I can't recall the project I was tackling, why the room is so dark, and what stressors were taking place.

It's funny what we forget, isn't it?

Issues that seemed so overwhelming in the moment quickly fade once they resolve. And that's a great blessing.

It's also a good reminder as we embark upon another week that's certain to include some stress and negativity.

No matter how horrible certain instances might be, the odds are we won't remember them. Or, if we do, the memory of the horribleness will soften and fade.

Time may not heal all wounds. But time will heal quite a few of them - and spare our energy to heal the ones that linger.

That perspective, of course, won't change the present challenges. But it can give us hope when we struggle and flounder.

Now back to this photo. I'd like to point out the hidden joy in an image that looks chaotic at first glance.

The carryout coffee cups shows at least one person (maybe two) brought me coffee on that day.

The blue pen holder with the tulips (which I still use) was made by Sarah when she went to Brownie day camp at Hammel Woods in Shorewood many, many years ago. I'm still using it even today and it's a reminder of then and now.

Christopher built my actual desktop (right) and added glowing blue and purple lights (my favorite colors).

Timothy provided the larger screen (larger for the time - you should see the one he bought that I use now!), a keyboard that is easy on my fingers, and  stapler when my old one broke.

My mother bought my original computer in 1998 when I started freelancing for The Herald-News as a single mom of six children ages two through fifteen, and I was still using the base with the switches in 2019. 

I can see at least two greeting cards sitting on that base, which means someone cared enough to send them.

I've printed out plenty of paperwork on a working commercial printer that I own, and I apparently have/had plenty of projects and work to keep me busy.

The computer table was a gift from my parents, which did not survive the last two moves.

So you see? In the middle of the turmoil, I was surrounded by love.

We can't avoid the dark moments. But the light is always there, if we take the time to find it, notice it.

May you always find the light in your dark.

Happy Monday!