The Important Things

I love that everyone is different. I love that I know a lot of different people too, because everyone finds different things important. This is a snapshot of some of the different things people I know think are important.

At the gym, there were people whose life revolves around their exercise schedule. Staying fit and flexible into old age is, for them, the most important thing. I can see their point. There was one lady there who was at least 20 years older than me, who ran rings around me. I kept up with her for less than 20 minutes then had to slow down before I collapsed.

This morning I spent time with a friend. His important this morning was how Bali is different since the policeman was killed. He's grateful for the local friends he's made there over the years. Without them he might not have felt safe.

I spent the afternoon with a group of people who think preserving our local history is of vital importance. Today's presentation and discussion revolved around the development of the railroad in the area.

I know people excited that the football season is working towards its culmination, with the final rounds being played before semi-finals and then finals. Of course, some of the people I know are excited because it's the finals! They're the ones who believe there are only two seasons: football season, and waiting for football season. Others are excited because it's the finals! and football is finally nearly over for another year.

I watched a 14 month old little boy for a few hours and noted the things that were important to him: putting a plastic bag in the bin (several times) for all the 'dirty' things; bananas; climbing the stairs, over and over until he was so tired he could barely stand; cheese; bath time with toys; using a fork to spear food, even though he didn't actually eat it; putting different shaped blocks into the right holes; milk; cuddles; reading books; singing songs; more sleepy cuddles.

Through all this, I've been more an observer than a participant, so I began to wonder what's important to me. The short answer is: all of it. The long answer is: these people are important to me, so whatever is important to them is also important to me.