As I was cleaning up my kitchen table after confectionery preparations for a party, I was struck by the persistence of the golden nonpareils that had been used to decorate cake pops. In my efforts to gather up all these tiny, sweet candies; I was reminded of friends of mine that while my husband and I were away for our honeymoon, had taken it into their hands to "decorate" our place with confetti on the ceiling fan, jello in the bathtub and (of course) nonpareils sprinkled all through my underwear drawer.
For months, years and several moves later - the top drawer of that dresser made light tapping noises that were the never ending reminder of the permanence of nonpareils released to the wild of what we know as "life".
For months, years and several moves later - the top drawer of that dresser made light tapping noises that were the never ending reminder of the permanence of nonpareils released to the wild of what we know as "life".
Nonpareils while tasty (which may be their only redeeming quality) are much like glitter in their ability to stick around EVERYWHERE. While I enjoy glitter for it's light catching glimmer, it also has the same ability to resist containment. Glitter can travel far and wide and confound the best of vacuum cleaners, brooms, mops, sponges... shall I go on?
I think you get my point. Nonpareils and glitter almost attain the status of being omnipresent in their abilities to be everywhere at all times as well as to seem to have no beginning or end.
While some may think my frustrated perspective to be silly, concerning the fun-loving nature of nonpareils and glitter, my frustration is sincere. My angst is not to deny the colorful sweetness of nonpareils or the sparkle of glitter, after all a lady has a right to glitter toes if she so determines that need. However, my angst for nonpareils and glitter comes from a deeper understanding that there as many things outside of my control and influence.
This fact, "of thing I can't control", is the source of my deep sigh as I chased around nonpareils in my kitchen this morning.
If I were to take the time, I know the area's of "non-control" in my life are many. This is true for all of us. While we have some influence upon our surroundings, what we choose to make for dinner or what kind of bag we choose to carry to work each day. I somehow suspect that there are bigger influences that make a big impact on these choices or the myriad of "uncontrollable things" that we fear might be set loose into our world. If fear were to have it's way, these uncontrollable factors could drive a person to despair.
It is not the intention of nonpareils or glitter to become a motivator of angst or fear. In my heart I know these little things are in fact little and intended to spark sweetness and light into the lives of those who experience them.
The candies sprinkled in my dresser drawer were supposed to make me laugh.
The glitter on my kids art projects are to bring me joy and help them experience the fun of creating.
The nonpareils in my kitchen are not intended to lead me to a place of feeling overwhelmed -
they are tiny little candies for heaven's sake!
Every day there are a million uncontrollable scenarios that could take place.
Some of them are sweet and full of light; and others are not.
At the center of this struggle with "uncontrollable things", it is important to remember that even in my tiny space of influence and effort that I can choose to be enslaved to fear or freed by love.
What do I choose?
Fear or love.
Nonpareils are colorful and sweet.
Glitter is light catching and reflecting.
I am not in control of much, but where I can choose sweetness and light.
I will.
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