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.  

Who Knew At This Moment

I don't claim to be a poet or a writer, but I do like to put pen to paper (or fingertips to keyboard) from time to time.  Today I celebrate the beautiful day 22 years ago when I became a wife. Here is my reflection on our life together so far...

He walked across the room

And my heart began to pound
Who knew at that moment
He would always be around

Then when we were dating

He leaned in for a kiss
Who knew at that moment
That life was such pure bliss

He took my hand at dinner
And slid on it a ring
Who knew at that moment
How sweet a heart can sing


Then when we were married
Our life as “one” began
Who knew at that moment
That life could be so grand

Then we had a baby girl

A blessing from above
Who knew at that moment
A heart could hold such love

A boy came not too far along

And then another girl
Who knew at that moment
These kids would be our world

These moments turned to hours

Then days, then weeks, then years
Who knew all these moments
Would make a masterpiece

 

 

 

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”  Mark 10:9