Resting in the Middle

I received a letter today from an artist friend. I thought it was her Christmas card but when I opened the letter there was a clip-art image of a nurse and I knew Betty had had another battle with death. Being friends with artists is an unpredictable kind of business. Betty never gives up the opportunity to engage her friends in a well told documentary and I wasn't sure if she had died and somehow managed to document her experience or if she had lived and was now giving an account of her story.

Now, I am a "cover to cover" kind of girl and have never skipped to the end of a book. I read every word and flip every page and Betty's three page, single spaced letter was no exception. Sometimes the story is happy and the ending is sad. Sometimes the story is sad but the ending happy. It is the contrast of experiences and the unpredictable outcome that intrigues me.

Betty's letter today reminded me to experience my life as though I was reading a good book. To digest every word and to feel the crisp or worn pages between my fingers as I turn them. To rest in the middle because it is my favorite part. And most of all, to resist the temptation to skip to the end. Because what appears to be the end of the story may only be the end of the first book in a series.

I am glad to say this was the case for my friend Betty. She ended her letter in this way:

"At least this isn't the postcard I prepared some time ago notifying you of my death. I am still mystified why I survived but very glad to have the extra time with those I love. Count yourself among that number! Still a tough old bird- Love Betty"

Today reflection trumps achievement and I find myself "resting in the middle -it's my favorite part.