Gift, wrapped in tribulations

CHERRIL DOTY

Often, when as a life coach, I ask clients what is the gift in a

difficult situation, it only irritates them. I understand this. When

something is difficult, overwhelming, too great a challenge, or just

plain unfair, it is very hard to see it as a gift. But how do we know

it is not?

Who said life is fair? Nothing is really that simple, is it? It is

no accident that so many old sayings suggest that struggle is good

for you in some wayIn the midst of writing this week’s column, I took

a break to head down to the Sawdust Festival grounds for booth pick

day, when over 200 artists, whose numbers have been drawn in a

lottery the previous February, clamor to choose among some 160-plus

booth spaces.

Though there was tension in the air when I arrived just past noon,

it was no more than the usual anxiety-driven kind, and most of the

participants were enjoying Ket Youngstead’s wonderful food and the

company of friends old and new. Soon, my number was up and I chose

among the remaining spaces with reasonable ease, for my criteria are

few. And, besides, my mind was already moving on, back to the writing

of this column.

As I walked away from the final checkout station, I looked around.

There seemed to be so few unclaimed booth spaces remaining and I knew

there were still many folks hoping to get one. With thoughts of this

column in my head, I found myself wondering how not getting in this

show might be a gift for any of the remaining artists.

It was at just that moment that my eye caught Michelle Taylor

sitting alone at a small table in the center of the grounds. A

sketchbook in front of her, she seemed so at peace and meditative in

the midst of the hubbub. I knew that not only did she have a number

over 200, but she was choosing for two other people in the high

number range as well. I marveled at her graceful repose.

Perhaps it was that one image of her that prompted my decision;

perhaps it was just that she’s such a fine artist. I would mess with

fate, with fairness, with all of it, by sharing my booth with her. I

don’t know how this will work, yet I am sure that it will. Out of

this sharing will come many gifts. And when there are differences, as

there well may be, I will look for the gift in each. For I know they

will be there.

Now, I find myself asking a new question: What if there were only

100 booth spaces next year and everyone had to share? What gifts the

challenges, difficulties, and downright overwhelming situations that

would arise might present!

* CHERRIL DOTY is a creative life coach and artist in love with

exploring the mysteries of life. You can reach her by e-mail at

cherril@cherrildoty.com or by calling 949-251-3883