Watermelon

Watermelon

     I bought a watermelon a couple of days ago.  That is always a large decision for me.  The first watermelon of the season is taking a huge leap.  It creates in my mind a tremendous sense of anticipation as to whether I have chosen the right one or I have rushed the season.  More often than not I have jumped the gun and made the wrong decision.  Watermelon angst can be debilitating.  I waited for a couple of days before I carefully laid out my watermelon-cutting knife and put down my watermelon-cutting board.  I found an empty WalMart sack to receive the rinds and with trembling hands made the first cut. 

     Anticipation takes many forms.  The final results from an anticipatory state of mind can lead to disappointment or great jubilation.  I am guilty of extended anticipation.  Those who know me well know that I begin planning very early.  The perfect example is how I approach the planning of the epic summer adventures that I enjoy with Pamela and Darryl each year.  The moment I know dates and destination I swing into my vacation mode.  I begin gathering maps, making reservations, checking each destination about what is to be seen there and planning my wardrobe.  I start laying out certain items very early and make checklists as to what needs to be taken.  Part of the joy of traveling is in planning and list making! 

     The downside of anticipation is that often the end result can be disappointing or simply not up to expectation.  This can simply be not enjoying a dessert that looked delicious or having a life decision not working.  We often hear about the disappointment of retirement not meeting expectations.  Each day we make decisions of of sort or another.  Often we become frozen in indecision and that can lead to other problems.  The spectrum ranges from rather inconsequential in most cases all the way to becoming a serious problem.  I always think of poor old J. Alfred Prufrock who wonders if he dares to eat a peach or wear his trousers rolled. 

     Am I promoting the concept of being non-anticipatory?  Absolutely not!  What I am promoting is that we gird our emotional loins and be willing to accept the outcome.  I also declare that anticipation can be joyous, but must be couched in reality.  You are not always going to hit the jackpot, but you can revel and enjoy the attempt to do just that! 

     Oh, yes….the watermelon!  It was delicious and I am loving it!  One of life’s victories!  I waited long enough and I picked the right one. 

     Happy thumping!