Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem

Life!  Life is a funny thing.  When we are born our days are already numbered.  The tricky part is, we don't know how long we have or what our life is going to look like.  Many times as a child or a teen we have dreams of what it "might" be; we have "hopes" of what it might be, but we never know what the reality is until we are actually in it.

I recently spent the day with one of my granddaughters.  She asked me how many kids I wanted when I was growing up.  Without hesitation, I could say, "10 - all boys!"  Of course, her response was, "Really?"  "Yep", I said, "really!"  She then asked how many Grandpa wanted and I had to tell her I honestly don't remember that we ever talked about it when we got married.  He may remember though - he has a much better memory than I do.

My granddaughter proceeded to tell me that her mom wanted 4 kids but her parents stopped at two because they were afraid they'd have more girls.  Then she talked about how expensive kids were - girls because of all the clothes and make-up and stuff - here she rattled off of zillion girly things - and boys because of all the sports and athletic equipment.  (Notice there was no mention of the cost to feed, house and educate children...LOL)

At any rate, I just listened to the chatter of this wise old 9-year-old.  And I couldn't help but think to myself - at 9 years old wasn't I still playing in the fields and catching snakes - weren't these thoughts the furthest thing from my mind.  Life was way different for kids when I was growing up.  We stayed kids longer.

But - here is the kicker - after all this talk about how large of a family each family unit dreamt of, I failed to ask her what she was dreaming of.  Now, it could be that we arrived at our destination and the conversation moved on - but still...I missed an opportunity to share in the dreams of my grandchild.  Who knows if this topic will ever come up again.  Yes, I can and will try to bring it up when we are together again, but somehow I don't think the moment will be quite the same.

All of this to say, I think we have to learn and practice keeping our eyes and our minds open to see what I call "Life Opportunities" and seize them.  I am talking about the time we can share in another's dreams, or goals, or plans - share a sorrow, offer a helping hand or a word of encouragement.  Give a hug or pat a back, touch an arm or hold a hand, ask a question, set a date to meet, or make the phone call.

"Life Opportunities" are what enrich our lives and connect us.  And that is really God's plan for us.   It is easier to walk away from a hard conversation.  It is easier to just do our own thing.  We have our own ideas and plans, but God's are much better. He wants us to use those "Life Opportunities" to build relationships with those we know, with those we love.

It's a terrible loss to miss out on the opportunity for life enrichment.  I am feeling that this morning - and am hoping I will be wiser when the next "Life Opportunity" comes along.  I pass this on to you as a "Life Opportunity" to learn from.

Carpe Diem - Seize the moment!


"Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom."  Psalm 90:12

"By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life."  1 Timothy 6:19

"Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not come. We have only today. Let us begin."  Mother Teresa

"Forever is composed of nows."  Emily Dickinson

And in the words of Erma Bombeck: "Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the 'Titanic' who waved off the dessert cart."