Live Little

Today I attended the funeral service of a childhood friend's husband. I remember when I met her. It was fourth grade. We became friends, spent time at each other's houses, played sports together, laughed, shared secrets, went on bike rides. We grew up together. Over time, we drifted apart and only saw each other once in a while and then not for years. Today, I attended her husband's funeral service.

Live Little

We kept contact through the years with annual Christmas cards, often containing a picture of the kids - first one child, then two, and then a third was added from our end. After Facebook came into play, we could keep up to date a little through the pictures we posted online. Not the same as sitting down and chatting face-to-face, but still connected. 

Live Little

Last night I thought about meeting her husband. We were around each other a handful of times. I cannot, however, tell you where we were or what we did. What I can do, though, is tell you the impression I had of him. Because, you see, he did make an impression. He was kind. He was thoughtful. He cared. It isn't anything big I remember about him. It is the small, sweet things that resonate with me.

Live Little

Driving home from the service I couldn't help but to think about life. What is important to us? Why is it important? What brings us true joy? How is our time and energy misspent? Does the size of our houses matter? Do we care what kind of car we drive? Are we focused on money or monetary things? Are we truly present with those around us? Are we too distracted with our noses in our phones? When we look at people, do we really SEE them? 

Live Little

Live little. I dare you. Live little. Focus on the moments - the smiles - the hellos - the hugs. Ask someone about their day and really listen to their answer. Take a walk. Eat dinner together. Look around. Wave to a neighbor. Play a board game. Things don't have to be BIG to make life good. I daresay that it is the smaller things in life that really make our hearts sing. 

Live Little

When my mom passed away, my friend and her husband came to the visitation. All the years vanished and there we were connected again. How comforting to have a friend who knew me as a child to share in my adult sorrow. She gave me some of her time and that meant the world to me. 

Live Little

We're told to dream big and reach high. There isn't necessarily anything wrong with that, but I encourage you to live little. There is beauty and purpose and meaning in the moments. Maybe reach out to your fourth grade friend you have lost touch with, maybe send a note to a high school buddy, maybe play some cards with your spouse, maybe ask your child about their day and keep asking until they actually tell you about it, maybe hug someone just because.

Live Little

So, I say again, live little. I dare you. Live little, because that's where the big things happen.  

Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We all have heard that over and over growing up, didn't we? And we may repeat it to our children now. But I must say that I absolutely think breakfast is the most important meal of the day when you are having it with girlfriends. I may not be the best breakfast eater here at my house, but if you throw the idea of sitting down with dear friends I can't wait for the eggs and hashbrowns!

Every couple months I am fortunate enough to meet up with some girlfriends for breakfast. When we set a date, I excitedly put it on my calendar and look forward to the time when we will sit at a booth and eat together. It is a magical time. It is an energizing time. For that hour or so around the table with girlfriends I become a better mother, a better wife, a better friend. Amazing what can happen during a meal, don't you think?

"It's just a breakfast," some of you may scoff. "What can make a bowl of cereal (or pancakes or eggs or whatever breakfast item of your choice you'd like to insert here) such a magical time?" If you were sitting at another booth and watching us you probably wouldn't see anything magical happening at all. We would appear to be just some friends sharing a meal. Well, let me take a moment to share with you the magic of breakfast with friends.

Here is the secret: we sit together and talk. Yep, that's it. Well, I guess that isn't everything, but that is the crux of our time together. We hug, we sit, we eat, we talk, we laugh, we listen, we cry, we share, we support. We talk about husbands, children, extended families. We talk about hair, weight, clothes. We talk about struggles, joys, triumphs. We talk, well, we talk about everything.

So, "where is the magic?" you ask. Did you miss it? Didn't you see it? It is that time around the table when we are talking about anything and everything that the magic happens. All of a sudden I don't feel like I'm the only one dealing with the challenges of teenagers and overworked husbands and school schedules. All of a sudden I don't feel like I'm the only one relishing the excitement of watching my child do well at a meet or the fun of randomly breaking out in dance with the kids to their favorite song.

When we are down, we are lifted up. When we are up, we share the joy. Whether we are up or down, we laugh with each other and cry with each other. As our leisurly breakfast comes to an end, we pay our bills, leave the restaurant, and embrace - each going where we need to be for the day. But as I turn to go home I am never quite the same as I was when I entered the restaurant. Something has happened. The magic of friendship and love has enveloped me and changed me. That magic energizes, encourages, and refreshes me. The magic whispers in my ear, "You are not alone. You can do it."

And this is why, my dear friends, that breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day. Maybe it is time you got out your calendar and scheduled yourself some magic today.

"A real friend is one who helps us to think our best thoughts, do our noblest deeds, and to be our finest selves." Anonymous