one word

The radio station that i listen to here in ABQ was asking people what their "one word" is. The one word that describes your life, that indicates your outlook or opinion of how things are for you.

As this is a Christian radio station, "blessed" was pretty frequent. One woman submitted "try" as her son (autistic) and her daughter (also disabled) were frequently challenged by life and thus all of their lives were punctuated by the need to "try" something new. This ranged from tying shoes to going to a grocery store without a meltdown to just maintaining a medical regimen.

Another person said that her word was "new". The past year had here starting a new life with a divorce, move across town, new schools for here kids and a new job for here. New. Not all good or bad but all different.

It got me thinking. I wasn't about to call the radio station and chat with the on-air personalities about my word. I'm not that bold (or patient enough to stay on the line waiting). But what would be my "one word".

I think "lucky".

Now, this isn't "blessed". Blessed includes all, regardless of merit, because of the grace of another. Lucky is more fragile. One is blessed every day, all day, all the time, in every way, just by grace of the blessing. Lucky is more variable.

I live a life that i don't "deserve". A life of ease, free from worries or stress. A great husband, good kids, nice house, part-time job that i like but don't have to do (mad $$,not paying the mortgage), health for me and mine. Lucky. But, i'm just waiting for the other shoe to fall, so to speak.

As i've done little to nothing to "merit" this fortune, i just wonder when my luck wil run out. There are so many others who are better than i, who work harder, do more, whine less-- and have harder lives. When will my luck pass to one of them and their worries/concerns/travails pass to me?

I'm really like a five year old, just playing through life. Joe takes on the majority of the worries and "real life" concerns (paying the bills, balancing the checkbook, investments, organizing home repairs/remodels, job stresses). I organize weekend ski trips and kids' activities and bake pies for dessert/sew quilts.

So........lucky. While i'm grateful for my good fortune, i wonder if/when it will end. I try not to "look the gift horse in the mouth" and ride the wave of my good fortune. Hope that it's enough!