Propinquity

My wife, Judy, and I tried an old exercise with a new twist. We put an executive chair together - one of those comfy, tilt and turn models. Early in our marriage, we would find ourselves at odds whenever we had to work together. I am one for reading the instructions (many times) and then going methodically through the steps. Judy, on the other hand, is much more intuitive - "Directions? We don't need no stinkin' directions!" It led to many a frustrating experience as the main issue would get confused and we would be frustrated.

The main issue is to enjoy ourselves. The construction or building of something takes second place. Yes, either one of us could probably have done it faster according to our own lights, but we would have lost that sense of propinquity (just being in the moment together).

The chair is finished and I now reside in relative comfort when I work from home. But, the memory of a job and a moment well done will last a lot longer.

2 Samuel 4-6