By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher
My “time out” in the Seville Cathedral for not keeping up.
Exactly when did getting a “time out” become a bad thing? Sure, I remember putting my babies in “time out.” They hated it. Having to sit in a corner for a few minutes with nothing – no toys, no tv, no tablet – nada. They thought it was the worst thing ever.
It’s all about perspective. I personally enjoy a good “time out.” I am often threatened with that exact consequence. There’s no need to name names, but y’all can likely figure out the main culprits. “Don’t threaten me with a good time,” is my standard reply. It’s pretty tough to get me in a state. Again, perspective.
In retrospect, I just don’t get why kids think this concept is a bad thing. A few moments alone, of peace, by yourself with no distractions, no responsibilities, no expectations other than to sit and meditate. Think about what you’ve done. I confess, that part gets me, because when I relive what has aggravated a particular person that put me in a “time out” predicament, I get tickled and commence to laughing. Hence thwarting meditation.
I might have kept wandering off the beaten path in the Seville Cathedral, but there were so many nooks and crannies to explore!
Heck, I got put in “time out” at least three times while in Spain. I got sent to my room early after walking 15,241 steps one day, because I was “tired and cranky.” That’s nearly eight miles if you do the math, and it was 10 pm. So, I had to go take a nice, leisurely hot shower, wash my hair, relax, read a book and go to bed – all while adjusting my attitude. And that was a bad thing? Not hardly. I’ll take that “time out” any day of the week. And walking eight miles always justifies “cranky.”
And there was the time while abroad I sort of set my hot rollers on fire. In my defense, I did have the adapter, so I was completely confident in Conair’s ability to adapt. That’s the very essence of why adapter’s exist – to adapt. I had done my part; it was time for my hot rollers to do theirs. I got in a small “time out” after confessing to the cause of the smoke and burnt smell. I vaguely remember Lisa Ann’s advance comment about not plugging them in, but I have selective memory, so I forged ahead wanting cute pictures and all. Mini “time out.” I curled ahead and laughed.
Our adventures included a visit to Seville’s famous Cathedral or Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Sea. It’s a former mosque, now a Catholic cathedral in the heart of Seville. No way to get into trouble in a church, right?
Completed in the 16th Century, it’s the largest cathedral in the world, and it is beyond breath taking. My eyes weren’t big enough to see everything. I was surrounded floor to ceiling by grace, beauty and holy relics that were beyond my imagination. I wanted to see it all. I could have moved in. Apparently being awe struck makes me move slower. It’s kind of like walking and chewing gum; it can be a challenge to keep up.
I suppose more than once I had to be rounded up in the Seville Cathedral. It’s okay. I asked for forgiveness, which He aptly gave. Another benefit of a good “time out” – undisturbed time to talk to the Lord.
Guess my people will have to come up with a “Plan B” to get my goat, because I’ll always be up for a good “time out.” See y’all next week – on the porch!
Patti Parish-Kaminski
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