Today is a day of celebrations. First the ceremony, then the dinner followed by the party and then followed by a birthday party. Even with a 4 o’clock start, it is going to be a long evening and night. As I anticipate the pageantry, deeper meaning, and sensing the emotions of good friends involved in the heart of everything, I am struck by the potential beginnings represent. The words of the psalmist linger, foretelling of what can come; “God is God, he has bathed us in light. Festoon the shrine with garlands, hang colored banners above the altar!” (Psalm 118.27)
What happens next will be the story we tell in years to come. For now, it remains unwritten. Anticipation is high. My grey hairs remind me that what unfolds will be closer to a surprise than a fulfillment of a dream. We cannot live in the future. The best and only things we have is the present. With this as a given, my thoughts going into today include the following.
One of the great gifts we can give ourselves is an appreciation of how precious and rich the moment at hand is. We have an opportunity to live and make a difference. We can do something with what is. There are no ifs or buts. We have this moment! We hold opportunities and possibilities in our hands with the freedom and accountability to do something we each. Appreciate the moment. Celebrate the good that has brought us to this point. Smile as you consider what we can aspire to do. Buckle up, embrace courage, and be prepared to let it rip.
Living up to the moment is fantastic but everything pivots on what one does. I want to intentionally step towards the best dreams, the highest aspirations, and the most beautiful and awesome dreams. Everything moves into reach with the decision and will to act.
Living is rarely finished with a singular event or action. Perseverance, endurance, and sustained courage are required to build superstructures. Great achievements take many individual acts of bravery, resolve, and commitment.
