Leap Day

Here we are, granted with an extra day. What will you do with yours? What will the world do? What if we declared it “Topsy-Turvy Day” and did everything the opposite of what we usually do? Israelis and Palestinians cross over the lines and enjoy a day playing board games together. Republicans and Democrats cook breakfast together and share stories about why they wanted to be in politics, what ideals they once held. Billionaires sell their super-yachts and turn the money over to school music programs. Everyone of all persuasions makes a list of everyone who has ever done them wrong and then forgives them all. Why not?

 

Well, probably because we’re the flawed human beings we are and it’s easier to just keep on with business as usual even if it harms us and others. So for some, it will be 24 hours more to savor this precious life and see what miracles we can notice and what kindnesses we can offer to someone. For others, it will be carrying on our self-destructive and world-destructive habits. For some, perhaps a combination of both.

 

As for me, it’s a rainy day in San Francisco, so unless I’m ambitious enough to brave the weather with an umbrella, I’ll have to pause from five straight days of vigorous walking. I have a dentist appointment late morning and a sushi birthday dinner for my wife with my daughter and the rest probably the usual catch up with e-mails and piano playing just for the pleasure of it. Oh, and pick up the new toaster oven at Cole Hardware because ours finally gave up the ghost.

 

One think I know is that there won’t be any leaping today. Feeling it harder to simply tie my shoes and get in and out of cars, it’s clear those days are gone. Happy Leap Day!