Coming or Going? by Barb Greenberg

When we go to the movies, we watch all those “coming soon” clips while munching on popcorn from the tub on our lap. When the “soon” movie finally comes and we go to see it, does it live up to its hype, or do we feel let down? Either way, we still have our popcorn.

In my personal life, unless something is written in my calendar, I usually have no idea what’s coming soon. I’m always surprised when I think I know what it is, but it’s never what I thought.

How do you prepare for what’s coming soon, or coming around the bend, or coming undone, or coming out of nowhere? Maybe that’s why people tell you to stay in the present—but that’s really hard to do when you’re curious or anxious about what’s coming. What if you have to prepare for it, or clean your house if it’s coming over, or wash your hair, just in case? Why do we worry about it? It will come when it comes, whatever it is. When it does, will we be prepared or stunned, surprised or overwhelmed?

Does “coming soon” mean this afternoon, next week, or next month? Will I get a text that it’s on its way—whatever it is? I don’t think so.

Some days I don’t know if I’m coming or going. Is there a dance between coming and going? And if there is, is it graceful or harsh, angry or compassionate, painful or loving?

Like the ocean tides, like the seasons, life is filled with comings and goings—transitions and changes that can be delightful or jarring, filled with joy or grief. Unlike the tides and the seasons, we can’t always predict when things will come or go. Yet when we are ready, we will find precious gifts in the ever-changing landscape of our lives.

Popcorn is optional.