Reminder: We're On Life's Schedule

Life has a funny way to reminding us of the lessons it's working so hard to teach. My current lesson? Things happen at the right moment. You can plan and plan and plan, but certain things happen on life's schedule.

Despite my constant objections to the idea, my mother is right when she says I'm one of those people who is hooked on immediate satisfaction. In some scenarios, I can be patient to a fault - like waiting around six years for a guy and a relationship would never happen. But other times, I want real-time results.

My reminder came about one week ago during a long weekend in San Francisco. The trip involved a lot of sightseeing, including a hike up to Coit Tower. The structure was built in 1933 and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the city - especially at night. I was determined to see it, but at one point, it didn't seem like we'd get there at all.

We spent longer than planned at the bar to finish our pints. I had a complete panic attack - tears included - on the climb up. It was, literally, the perfect time to remember my fear of heights. Mandy nearly got stuck in the futuristic outdoor bathroom with an electronic sliding door. I was almost too scared to climb up onto the concrete barrier that wrapped along the outside of the tower's circular parking lot. In short? Getting there was a nightmare.

But the view was spectacular - a panoramic snapshot of San Fransisco's lights against the dark night sky. The Golden Gate bridge was enough to make me smile. And then this happened:

Even now, I can't believe the timing of it all. We were standing in the right city, at the right time, in the right spot... And there were fireworks - one of the most amazing displays I have ever seen. So many things could have delayed the evening, or kept us from being there all together. But instead, every single second of that night added up to one perfect (and powerful) moment.

It reminded me that certain things in life unfold as they are intended - no matter what you believe. It can't always be about immediate satisfaction or results - in our careers, our relationships or our daily lives.

Note to self... we're on life's schedule. And sometimes, when you let life take its course, there are fireworks.