There are moments where my experience is frozen in time. One was riding the Pony in front of the store when I was five. The pictures of the moment that remain are all in my mind, lost on most days. Yesterday, I walked by a big white boat with steering and an engine exhaust pipe that I would have been all over in the day. I stopped, silently alone, and remembering. I visualised myself then, wondering, even now, if it was worth spending some time out on the imaginary Galleria Sea.
The visuals continue to linger. My mind can see the friends in my young life. I wish I could send them my best wishes. If so, I would follow Paul’s examples in passing my best; “Hello to Apelles, a tried-and-true veteran in following Christ. Hello to the family of Aristobulus.” (Romans 16.10). As it is, I will think of Donny, Jonathan, and Bruce. Things are different now and yet they remain the same.
Life is experienced in and through relationships. We are together, if only for a time. To my younger self, I would suggest that he live deeply and fully in each moment. Celebrate the time you have together. There will be events that take a friend away from this life. Others will move away, lost in the river of time. Treasure what is now.
Life is richer with kindness and care. I know there were tough times. Kids can be cruel, to each other as well as to their parents. As I looked at the boat, I remembered our laughter. My Mother and Father played along. My brothers joined in. When friends were present, the volume got to the point we were all in trouble.
Life evolves. In every path, there will be forks in life’s road. Knowing that change is coming is a whispered reminder to live fully and completely in the moment. Learn everything possible and grow with the learning. Life is an opportunity to walk towards a better future when one cares to make a difference, inside and out.
