It
was a greeting exchanged between neighbors. Nothing much more
than a casual good morning back and forth. But the words hit me
and triggered a few thoughts. After all, when was the last time
you felt better than perfect? (Let’s back up a bit.)
Out
the door, leashes in hand, ready to put a mile or two or more
behind the dogs and I with a stroll around a few blocks. Turned
off the driveway, made it beyond a few doors when I spotted him
puttering around his car.
“Good
morning,” I offered.
“Morning. How are you?”
“Doing great. You?”
“Better than perfect,” he responded.
A
few more comments and jokes were exchanged. We even mentioned
the morning weather. Some of it was friendly, some of it bordering
on cliché, but there he was doing better than perfect.
Have
you ever felt better than perfect? Have you ever had a moment
where you said to yourself that everything was as great and right
as it could possibly be, only to learn a short time later that
things had gotten even better?
(And,
yes, those comments about friendly and cliché are about
to come back into play. Good on some of you for picking up on
that. Gold stars for you, and ten points for Hufflepuff.)
A
few weeks ago, I was on vacation and visiting Disney theme parks.
I happen to be a lover of Coca-Cola. A Coke is my go to basic
drink. And as I circled the parks, riding attractions while baking
and sweating in 95-degree sunshine, the occasional stop for a
Coke was a welcome refreshment. Occasionally, when I took time
for a sit-down meal, I would ask if they had a Cherry Coke. Almost
always the person taking care of me offered to add grenadine to
the glass and give me a cherry Coke. Perfection improved.
Let’s
say you find yourself in a great relationship. The conversation
is outstanding. The interests you share are diverse and exciting.
Whether the length of the relationship places it in the still
very new phase or more toward established familiarity, for this
example the most important thing is that you are very, very
happy. “I love you” has been exchanged by both of you on more
than one occasion, with deep emotions behind the words. Everything
feels as good as it could possibly be.
After
going to bed one night, believing you couldn’t possibly improve
the relationship, couldn’t possibly be more in love, your significant
other does something special and unexpected early the next day.
You wake up and a perfect cup of coffee is hot and ready for you,
with the dogs having already gone out and pancake batter waiting
to hit the griddle. Or you come in from outside and find a package
waiting for you, with an item inside that shows they were listening
to something you said and deliberately searched to get you a really
special something or other. Maybe they sneak up, kiss the back
of your neck and give you a hug for absolutely no reason whatsoever
beyond just because.
Suddenly,
somehow, after thinking you couldn’t be more impressed, more invested,
more complete… there you are… more in love. Somehow, perfect got
even better.
Big
things. Little things. Better things.
Out
for a walk on a sunny morning. Dogs on the leash, leading the
way. Friendly neighbors, happy at home.
The
world absolutely can be better than perfect.