The Gift I Never Expected but Came to Love Anyway

This is a story from last spring, and it is about assumptions and expectations.

My partner and I just moved into a new-to-us house after spending the last three years in a one-bedroom condo. We are thrilled with our ‘find’ despite the house’s need for cleaning and some updates. We head full force into an extensive list of projects.

The yard is gorgeous, however, and that is one of its selling points. It has been professionally landscaped and, since it is spring, all the bushes are in bloom. There are red oleanders and little johns, yellow bells, orange jubilee, and deep pink bougainvillea, along with agave and other greenery.

We take our breaks and have morning coffee on the large, shaded patio which runs along the north and east sides of the house. Picture us soaking up the spring colors as we watch a hummingbird hover over a blossom. Birds fly in and out of sight and, much to our delight, a family of quail runs below our back fence. Heaven!

Along with the calls of the doves and other birds, big and small, we hear the faint tinkle of a neighbor’s wind chime. It is dainty. High pitched but not annoying. I like how it adds to the ambiance.

Fast Forward to Mother’s Day

On Mother’s Day, my partner excitedly gives me a long heavy box.

“What is this,” I ask as I hurriedly unwrap the paper to find a wind chime – a large black wind chime.

Whoa! I must admit I am not thrilled. Granted, I love the neighbor’s dainty wind chime, but one in my backyard? Hmmm. I thank my partner profusely but set the box aside. Weeks later, after the thought of my own wind chime settles in, I pull the box out and suggest that my grandkids help hang it. They are not too interested but somehow the chime is hung in a perfect spot on our back patio.

The first wind that catches the chime makes me stop in my tracks. The tone is deep and rich, almost haunting. It is the bass to our neighbor’s soprano. Beautiful! Because the pieces are big and heavy, they ring only with a strong gust. They announce each Arizona dust storm, and we mentally prepare for the cleanup the next day. Some nights they offer a gentle lullaby to put me to sleep. When I am reading or working in the kitchen, the deep tone comforts me and reminds me of the love of my partner.

The Perfect Addition

I have grown to appreciate my gift even more through the ensuing months. It is the perfect addition to our home. When I think back to my initial reaction to this gift, I want to kick myself. How many times do my expectations get in the way?

I could write many stories about my expectations or assumptions that were off-based – the event I did not want to attend or the book club selection I did not want to read only to have a wonderful time or discover a treasure. How about the dreaded introduction that turned into a lifetime friendship or the concert I did not relish attending only to hear wonderful craftsmanship in a new genre?

It almost took a lifetime but, although it is not easy, I try to catch myself with my preconceived notions and keep an open mind to life and its adventures.

Questions for You:

Have you changed an assumption or expectation about a person when you got to know them? What method do you use to keep an open mind? What about a gift you didn’t particularly like at first, but came to use and love afterwards? Would you be willing to share a story?