First, as we accomplish success at work we forge on to the next project or goal. Before we’ve had time to savor the moment we’re in the middle of a different task. We’re so intent on making things happen that we don’t really get to kick back and enjoy the moment. Later we look back and wish we could have paused and realized what was now past.
The second area we often rush by is those personal goals or our personal “bucket list” of items we plan on doing someday. In 2005 Sharon and I started our annual “Grandkid trips” when we took our four youngest to Orlando. In the hustle and bustle of making sure things were perfect and that we covered all the activities were completed we didn’t “smell the coffee” of that moment in time. This year we had to cancel the trip due to a health issue and realized how big a part the trips had played for ten years.
The third and most important area is that of personal relationships. When someone passes we often have regrets of the time we could have spent and didn’t. Our mothers are 87 and 91. We’ve had opportunity to enjoy the time with them. On the other hand our Dads were 62 and 65 when they passed. How we would have enjoyed more time, but did enjoy what time we had! Several friends have passed this year and I look back and am glad for the moments we had. When I think of them I smile and remember the good times.
In June my sister and a cousin in Wichita both had accidents where vehicles were totaled but injuries weren’t life threatening. I saw a picture of my niece’s car and was thankful for the results. It could have been worse, a lot worse. Once again the importance of “smelling the coffee” became obvious. We never know when an encounter will be our last.
Having a health issue brought future limitations into my mind for the first time. I’ve been blessed with 71 years of good health. My goal is to slow down and enjoy each moment, person, and event to the fullest. We are only here for a very short moment in time. Hopefully we can all learn the lesson of “Smelling the coffee!”
