Life as we know it in this moment, could change in the blink of our eyes. It could change for the worst, the better or somewhere in between. It is important for us to remember that while we most likely enjoy life as we know it, our lives are not set in stone. So what do we do, as we walk this path of life that could change directions at any moment? We live it! We should live life everyday to the fullest point possible. Do I do that?, Heavens no, but I should. Look out the window, find a leaf on a tree around you. Watch just that leaf, does it stand still and float in the air? Does it fight when the wind blows to stay where it wants to in a "safe" place out of harms way? Most likely if you are looking at a normal tree, and not one found in a Dr. Seuss book, then you will find that the leaf goes with the wind when it blows, and possibly residing in a new place. It may get swiped off its branch by the wind, and fall to the ground, or get carried around for awhile before falling. The leaf may be yanked down by a young child or picked by a bird to be taken to make a nest. Just like this leaf having no choice in where it is going to land or when it will be taken away from its safe area - we must see where life is going to take us, be willing to step out of the known land and onto the path that is being set before us.
Recently the life as I knew it, changed. Did it change for the worst or for the better, that is an answer I will never be able to answer. Did it throw me into a place of uncertainty and wonder, of course, but that is turning out to be okay. It turned out to be okay that the actions of my every day routine were changed all in the blink of my eye. Nothing harmful or life threatening happened, but my heart was definitely broken. I won't go into much depth here about the extent of what took place, because honestly it is something I have moved on from. The door has been shut, the page has been turned, the glass is filling up again. Life as we know it... can change... but mail slots of opportunity will open and pages will be filled again. My life as I knew it was filled with busy days, mind blogging, paperwork, decisions to be made, being on call, worry, bad weather days, serving others, caring for the least, teaching moments, laughter, friendships, parenting, and the list goes on. But what I am now discovering is that while the life that I knew was my life, I was missing out on some of my favorites. Life as I knew it was grand and fulfilling, but that is not ALL my life is about.
From a favorite movie of mine, and a song that I am sure you have heard before... I have changed the words some, because my favorite things and Maria's favorite things just didn't line up...
Splashes on kayaks and dogs on a leash
Friday night wine and mountain air walks
Large Envelopes sealed with a lick
These are a few of my favorite things
Sunshine hot touch and garden fresh okra
Parkways and cabins and rides with my fella
Ducks that swim through the lily pads with ease
These are a few of my favorite things
Boys in plaid shirts with no care in the world
Raindrops that land with a plop and piddle
Phone calls with friends with miles in between
These are a few of my favorite things
When the bear growls, when the pickles flame
When I'm feeling lost
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad
So my rhyming my be off.... a lot... and it may sound silly. But we all must acknowledge our favorite things and what defines ourselves. While my life as I knew it was grand and I am beyond blessed for the opportunity, I had lost focus and connection with so many of my favorite things. I love to write snail mail letters and sending them, I almost get more joy sending them then receiving them. I love to listen to the raindrops go plop or Friday night wine time with my family. Life as I knew it was grand, but as that door closed and the page turned I am getting back with my life and doing my favorite things. Life as I knew it will someday just be a chapter in my life.
Life can change in the blink of our eye, but we are the decision makers on how we are going to deal with the change. Shall we lay in the belly flop position for hours vegetating or stand vertical ready to take on the world and every experience and opportunity that hits us? We shall do both! Caring for ourselves is a must in this crazy life that we live, but living is just as important.
Dear God, Life as I knew it was what I saw for my future, but you saw differently. You are helping me learn what life as I know it is going to be, and that is okay. Hard and extremely tough at times, but I look forward to walking down the path to figure out what my life as I know it will be. Right now, the life that I am living is enjoyable. I am loving time with family and friend, mint choc chip ice cream, watermelon juice, kayaking and more! The blessings that you have placed in my life are incredible, and I thank you for that! Life as I know it may change everyday, but I know that you are standing with me through every step as life as I know it develops. God, thank you for watching over me, I pray for all those that are not in a life that they are okay with, for those that have chosen to put their lives in front so that we all may be safe, and for all those that are completely lost without you. Because of you I am able to know that my life as I know it will be built with your love surrounding it. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen.
