Living in the Moment

Maybe this phrase answers so many questions about life here in China. We 'foreigners' always want detail. When are we going to do this or that? What time does it start? When will it finish? Do I need to take anything? How much?

These simple questions often remain unanswered even if we do ask several times. A student explained it to another English teacher the other day.

"You foreigners can't just live in the moment!"

I guess that is right. We don't "just go with the flow" all the time. Reminds me of a friend long ago, who seemed to think "God" would provide all the time and she was quite relaxed about anything that was happening.

I remember when she was leaving by plane from Brisbane to Perth - had run out of money, and time as it turns out. I had to drive to the airport at peak hour - I was the stressed one as she sat in the car as I broke speed limits, rules etc in an effort to help my guest reach the airport on time.

Unstressed, she just kept saying "God will get me there." and I remembered hoping that her "God" would help me pay any speeding or other fines I might have collected on my way.

Even when she arrived at the airport she glossed over all that I had done in my stressed speedy drive and announced "God" had done it.

Maybe she is one that can enjoy "living in the moment" but I need to be more organised. Someone has to!