I walked to the teachers’ lounge on my hall today to warm my lunch and while waiting to remove my lunch from the microwave, I stood staring out the window. Today is a wet, overcast, and bleak day; it’s the perfect weather to sleep in. At this moment I would give anything to lie wrapped up in warm blankets and listen to the sound of the rain on the roof. As my thoughts began to wander, the thought of leaving one day crossed my mind.
NOSTALGIC
A few years ago I went to a beautiful town in New York called Lake George. There were persons I met who became my friend and we have maintained a relationship for almost ten years. Just the other day, I caught up with one of those friends, Terri, and it felt so refreshing to converse with her and I started to feel nostalgic. I longed to go back to Lake George, to walk along the strip and hear the buzz of excitement in the voices of the people as they chatted with friends and family. I longed to sit by the lake and watch the ducks walk along the sand and feel the gentle breeze caressing my skin. I longed to take the ferry to Bolton Landing and bask in the beauty of nature. But those moments are gone.
I have not seen most of the persons I met in Lake George since 2012 and sometimes I question if I’ll ever see them again. Some no longer live there but have moved to different states and countries. Then I thought of home. I have the same longing for home sometimes, only it’s more intense. There are childhood friends, coworkers, and associates who I may never see again. What impact have I made on their lives? How do they remember me?
BE PRESENT
I then came back to the present. One day, I will be leaving this place. I have family, friends, and associates now that I may never reconnect with again when I leave. Today, now, the present is my opportunity to bond and impact their lives. Since tomorrow is promised to no one, and with uncertainty looming all around us I think I need to be present.
CHARGE
Instead of being concerned and burdened with the thought of what tomorrow may bring, I have the opportunity to create the today I want. I have the opportunity to love and bask in all the blessings each day brings and so should you. Feel the sun on your skin, give tight hugs and wet kisses. Show your friends and family that you love them. Tell them. Do not scatter roses after they are no longer around. Every moment is precious and cannot be retrieved. Do not spend it worrying that you miss out on all the beautiful things and people around you.
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