What life events do you think matter the most? Many of us focus on the life changing events that happen throughout our lives. Starting with our beginnings. I remember how proud I was of my kids when they rolled over, crawled, and then took their first steps on their own. First words, first song they sang (ABC’s) and those moments we all treasure of “firsts”. First day of kindergarten, graduation, college, and just as the world keeps spinning, so do our lives and moments. These monumental moments are usually documented with videos and pictures that we proudly display in our homes of past memories.
Memory moments are wonderful to be reminded of but we need to be careful not to hang onto them or live in the past. Those that focus and keep walking down memory lane have a hard time being in the present moment. Some people stay stuck and live in the past because they do not want to face the present. Some people fantasize and focus so much on the future that a fog rolls in to linger and cloud judgement. The current moment is where we can all make a difference right now. I was reminded of this Saturday when my I-phone starting screeching the “warning” siren. We all know it’s either a flash flood or something devastating, like an Amber Alert. The minute I picked up my phone, and saw it was an Amber Alert, I dropped to my knees. At that very moment I began to pray for the child’s safety, and for God to help comfort the child. What would happen if everyone stopped for a moment and just prayed when an Amber Alert is issued? Or when the sirens blare and ambulances/firetrucks head to help someone in an accident or serious life situation? How about when we walk by someone who is disabled or in a wheelchair while in the grocery store? Do we keep walking, or do we say a quick prayer for them? We all have the capability at these moments to pray for others. These are moments that matter.
As another year passes, I’m reminded of my Uncle Bob who left this world too soon. The dreaded horrible memory moment of my mom calling to tell me he passed of a massive stroke. How? Why? He was the “healthy” one–the one who ran, didn’t smoke, treated others with respect, and was a leader for the Army National Guard. Our time with him was snatched up and gone in a single moment. I regret to this day that I didn’t savor those past moments when I had a chance. When he was in my presence, I should’ve talked to him more, asked him deeper questions, learned more of the wonderful man he truly was. Instead, I heard many of the stories at his funeral. We only have the present moment to make a difference. That is why it is a “present” and can change in an instant. As we create our memories and moments remember that right now is where you can have the most impact. Not hanging onto the past, and not in the foreseeable distant future. I’ve attached a song called One More Day that reminds us to live in the present moment. Although it was written for a relationship between a man and woman, it speaks to me for all those who have passed that I’ve loved. I wish I had one more day to spend with all of you.