Mark Twain used to tell this little joke on himself: A fellow came round to his house twice everyday trying to sell fish, and Mark Twain kept saying “No thank you.” But finally he felt that the man’s sheer persistence ought to be rewarded, so he told his wife, “I am going to buy a fish from that man.” He bought the fish, but when it was prepared for lunch, they found it to be unsatisfactory. So when the peddler came around again, Mark Twain said, “Look here, that fish wasn’t edible. It was too old.” The fish man calmly replied, “Well, it wasn’t my fault, boss. I gave you two chances everyday this week to buy that fish and, if you were foolish enough to wait until it was spoiled, don’t blame me!”
We will never have this day and its array of unique experiences ever again. How much of the wonder, the beauty, the opportunities will we reject or allow to spoil? Imagine how it would be to embrace each day, every person you meet, and all your experiences right from the start, to chew and savor every morsel of this incredible life! It us a great spiritual practice to move through each moment with open eyes and an accepting heart. Accept your amazing blessings; don’t let them spoil!