Live. And Live Well

Life most definitely is a gift and I am truly blessed to have two of the most amazing parents. They’re my rock, my inspiration, my North Star, my compass. They’re what grounds me. As I transitioned into adulthood and motherhood, I’m able to recognize and truly appreciate everything they’ve done for me; the sacrifices, the life-lessons, and doing their very best to provide me with a better life than they had. They’re both blue-collar workers and had to work hard, extremely hard for everything they have. What amazes me most is how they somehow managed to never miss a single event of mine. Not a single game, recital or school event. Even as an adult they’re still my cheering section. They are always offering encouragement and somehow still know the moments when I need it most. In showing me their work ethic balanced with family and faith, they were able to teach me by example that no matter how busy life gets, we can never lose sight of living it as best we can and staying present.

From a very early age, they taught me the importance of staying humble and being appreciative of the people, places and things around us. Whether it’s a smile, a kind word or simply following the Golden Rule, humility and appreciation are incorporated into my daily life.

I find this quote from Kyle Lake’s final sermon inspiring and refreshing. I try to incorporate its essence into my daily life as well…

Live. And Live Well.
“BREATHE. Breath in and Breathe deeply. Be PRESENT. Do not be past. Do not be future. Be now.

On a crystal-clear, breezy, 70-degree day, roll down the windows and FEEL the wind against your skin. Feel the warmth of the sun.

If you run, then allow those first few breaths on a cool autumn day to FREEZE your lungs and do not just be alarmed, be ALIVE.

Get knee-deep in a novel and LOSE track of time.

If you bike, pedal HARD … and if you crash, then crash well.

Feel the SATISFACTION of a job well-done- a paper well-written, a project thoroughly completed, a play well-performed.

If you must wipe the snot from your three-year-old’s nose, don’t be disgusted if the Kleenex doesn’t catch it all … because soon he’ll be wiping his own.

If you’ve recently experienced loss, then GRIEVE. And Grieve well.

At the table with friends and family, LAUGH. If you’re eating and laughing at the same time, then might as well laugh until you puke. And if you eat, then SMELL. The aromas are not impediments to your day. Steak on the grill, coffee beans freshly ground, cookies in the oven. And TASTE. Taste every ounce of flavor. Taste every ounce of friendship. Taste every ounce of Life. Because it is mostly definitely a gift.” – Kyle Lake’s final sermon

I have this quote posted in my cubicle, framed in my home and committed to memory. We’re all so busy and it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. Even as I type this post, I glance over and am reminded how quickly time flies by. My spunky little two year old somehow went from a fragile little baby into this strong little personality just coming into her own. She’s a different person today than she will be tomorrow. I choose to savor these moments; to live and live well.