Ahh… I almost wasn’t going to type this one, but I really feel like I must.

Tonight I’m sitting on the couch long after my normal bedtime typing this blog. I’ve been up and running for about sixteen and a half hours. Becky and I got our run in and had a great time talking about our upcoming backpacking trip to Isle Royale. Then I jumped on my laptop and cranked out a bunch of work before hitting the shower. Throughout the day I was bouncing between Zoom calls, phone calls, and several projects. I snuck in a nice walk in the sun over lunch. Once work was done I spend a little time chilling with Gavin and then helped grill supper. By the time the last bite was taken Becky had to head out to pick up Dominic from soccer practice. A few minutes later I was in the car driving Gavin to his soccer practice across town. While he played I worked on my book. On the way home I talked with my brother. Once home I played a game with Gavin for a little while and then left to go pick Dominic up from Pep Band practice. Wait a few minutes, send a couple of texts, ride home with Dominic so he can get his night time driving hours in. Take a deep breath, bust out a snack, a drink, and my laptop. Blog. After this I’ll just sit here and enjoy quiet time for a couple of minutes and then off to bed before waking up before 5am again to do it all over again tomorrow.

Normally, this would be one of those days when I’d be frustrated about going nonstop in so many directions. Thanks to the past 12 months? I’m totally grateful for the opportunity to be thrust right back into the thick of the chaos that was our life pre-pandemic. Spending a year without this much has reminded me to take time to enjoy the moment I’m living in.

An article I read today referenced a wonderful line from the original (and best) of the Star Wars series… To quote the great philosopher Yoda:

“This one a long time have I watched. All his life has he looked away… to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was. Hmm? What he was doing. Hmph.”

Yoda

Yoda, today I was looking right square in the eyes of today. To now. The present. My mind was focused on where I am. What an awesome way to remember to be grateful for each day of life – the normal, the routine, the crazy, the chaotic – each day is a gift.

Thanks!!!