Boiling Point

A person whom I admire in this ordinary life we often lead told me that when change is imminent, it's akin to a boiling pot which has been simmering for some time before reaching its hottest active point.  I do believe she is right.  (Okay.  It's my pastor's wife.  A lovely woman of the Lord with a truly unique personality and a dedication to being the best person she can be, beginning with her faith and resonating outward to family, friends, church, work, and hobbies.  She's a keeper!)

When an extraordinary event or opportunity pops up on the radar -- seemingly out of nowhere -- unless it's a UFO with beyond-our-ken travel capabilities (did I really just reference a spaceship for this entry?!), it has a point of entrance, an origin, a start.  Maybe a seed sown in the fertile mind, restless for change or growth, which then sends out shoots of thought in directions one might otherwise not entertain.  Perhaps a choice made rashly or in a hectic out-of-charcter moment.  My point is SOMEthing happens initially, setting off a chain of events . . . tumble, little dominoes . . . and, eventually, SOMEthing results.

Over the years, I've watched a steaming array of boiling pots on my  own stovetop.  Yes, they DO boil!  In fact, I've fogged a few pairs of glasses leaning over them.  Burnt a wrist or forearm removing their lids.  Lost the spoon attempting to stir them into submission.  But I've also timed an egg to perfection.  Blanched crisp produce to just-rightness.  Triumphed with oodles of noodles al dente.  I can pinpoint the instant at which I turned the dial and set the heat.  I know the juncture where still water became the tiniest of bubbles jumping from the bottom of the pan in a race for the surface.  And regardless of the outcome, the success or failure of that particular attempt, I was ready, each time, for the eruption of possibly scalding force which totally transforms the water and anything dropped into its depths.  Perhaps not ready in a 100% consciousness sense, but ready in a "when life gives you boiling water, make yourself a cup of strong tea" way.  Readiness is not always preparedness as much as it is willingness.

Tonight, I'm ready, willing . . . and able to prepare if the pot doesn't boil over.  Pasta anyone?