Could I Have This Dance - In the Garage?
2002 Boaz Rauchwerger
Life is full of opportunities - to excel, to achieve, to love, to learn. When we approach life with an open, excited, positive attitude, good things happen. It doesn't mean we don't have challenges along the way. However, the affect of those, on many occasions, can be minimized if we're constantly looking for the magic that is available to everyone.
I recently enjoyed, and learned a lot from re-doing the garage of my friend Judy. We made great order by assembling white cabinets. We also touched up the walls and painted the floor. Molding around all the cabinets was Judy's idea and her garage looked great.
Now that we had that successful experience behind us, we decided to do something special for Judy's son, David, and his wife Christa. They have a big three-car garage that needed an overhaul. They are very giving people who constantly put themselves out to help others. You probably know someone like that.
They were going to be out of town from Friday evening until Sunday evening. Judy and I decided to surprise them by overhauling their garage during that 48-hour period. Some people would say that sounds like a lot of work. Some would say they're "too old" to be doing things like that. Keep in mind that Judy and I are both in our mid-50's.
The moment David and Christa left town, we converged on their garage. We emptied it of all the tools, a refrigerator, two compressors, a kayak, three motorcycles and more.
On Friday night we worked until four in the morning, painting walls and touching up where needed. When Judy and I worked together, we did so in a spirit of harmony. We had a good time. We encouraged each other. We enjoyed the process of achieving something worthwhile together.
On Saturday we continued the process. With every passing hour, the garage looked better and better. Saturday evening, as we continued to work, we had the radio on. It was a station that had a request line for song dedications.
Judy had just mentioned that, in the near future, we should go dancing. A few minutes later, I went into the house, dialed the radio station and asked the disc jockey to dedicate a song so we could dance in the garage we were painting. Romance doesn't have to take much time or effort. It's the thought that counts. Even in the garage.
Shortly thereafter, as we were painting, Judy was surprised to suddenly hear the disc jockey say my name, Boaz, and start talking about our project. She had recorded my comments. The disc jockey then played "Swaying to the Music" for us and we danced in the middle of the garage on Saturday night.
David and Christa arrived back home Sunday afternoon, about an hour after we finished the final coat of paint on the floor. They were shocked. They were thrilled. They were very touched that we had made that kind of effort for them.
What they didn't realize is that we got just as much out of giving as they apparently got from receiving. Life is that way. Give. Give. Give. And don't look for something in return. Who knows, you too may find yourself greatly touched by a dance in the garage.
Open Your Eyes to a Better Idea
In a related matter to the above, Judy has opened my eyes to a better idea. Sometimes we get in the habit of doing something for so long that we cannot imagine a better idea.
Since my father was a carpenter and a builder, I have always enjoyed working with my hands. That includes painting, construction rather than portrait. I have most always used a brush.
Judy, who has a lot of experience in remodeling and decorating, suggested that I use a roller more often. She said that the finish looks smoother when it dries.
Although I had been used to doing things one way, I gave her idea a chance a few times. Amazing. It was not only easier, but the finish looked so much smoother and more professional.
Is there something you've been doing that could be done easier if you opened your mind and your eyes? Let's look at those around us and see their talents. Maybe there is something they know that could be of benefit to us. I have discovered that the smartest people are not those who know the most. They are people who are not afraid to ask for help. They often ask for better ideas and are big enough to follow some of them.
It doesn't take a stroke of genius to see a brighter picture in our lives. It just takes an open mind. May I suggest that you open up to all of the possibilities. Good things could happen.
A Romantic Daily Affirmation
I now look for opportunities to create romance in my life.
Article reproduced with permission from Boaz Rauchwerger. You may reprint any of these articles in any publication or Web site so long as you credit Boaz Rauchwerger as the author and include this Web site address, www.Boazpower.com.