Meaning: This quote by Dorothy Gilman, an American author known for her mystery novels, touches on the concept of timing and its impact on our ability to appreciate and derive meaning from life's experiences. The idea that "the best things arrive on time" suggests that there is a perfect moment for everything, and when events or opportunities occur outside of that ideal timing, they may fail to resonate with us in the same way.

The first part of the quote, "If something anticipated arrives too late it finds us numb, wrung out from waiting, and we feel - nothing at all," captures the feeling of disappointment and disillusionment that can arise when something long-awaited finally materializes, only to be met with a sense of emptiness or indifference. This sentiment speaks to the human experience of longing and anticipation, and the potential for those emotions to be dulled or extinguished when the object of our desires is delayed beyond a certain point.

The notion of being "numb" and "wrung out from waiting" conveys a sense of exhaustion and emotional depletion that can result from prolonged anticipation. This feeling of numbness suggests a loss of the initial spark or excitement that accompanied the anticipation, as well as a diminished capacity to fully engage with the delayed arrival of the anticipated event or outcome. In this state, the emotional investment and energy expended in waiting may have taken a toll, leaving us unable to fully appreciate or derive satisfaction from what has finally come to pass.

Contrasting this experience, the latter part of the quote asserts that "the best things arrive on time," implying that there is a synchronicity between the timing of significant or meaningful experiences and our ability to fully embrace and derive value from them. This idea speaks to the importance of timing in shaping our capacity to recognize and cherish the positive aspects of life, suggesting that there is an optimal moment for the arrival of opportunities, relationships, and experiences that hold the greatest potential for enrichment and fulfillment.

The concept of timeliness in relation to life's "best things" raises questions about the nature of serendipity, fate, and the alignment of external events with our internal readiness to receive and appreciate them. It suggests that there is a harmony between the unfolding of significant moments and our receptivity to them, and that when these elements converge, we are more likely to experience a profound sense of connection and fulfillment.

In essence, the quote by Dorothy Gilman underscores the impact of timing on our emotional responses and the meaningfulness of our experiences. It prompts us to reflect on the interplay between anticipation, arrival, and our capacity to engage with and derive satisfaction from the events and opportunities that shape our lives. By acknowledging the significance of timeliness in our experiences, we may gain a deeper appreciation for the moments that align perfectly with our readiness to embrace them, recognizing them as the "best things" that enrich our lives.