Ol’ Gus had it right, didn’t he?
In the grand scheme of things there are grand moments and then the filler moments. Many only look up for the life altering events and completely look over the more insignificant filler moments. Maybe it is society that has guided many into this train of thought. Maybe looking back into the perfection seeking topic could bring us the answer. However living only for the grand moments, the life changers, will only set you up for disappointment and even more devastating, a lifetime of missed enjoyment.
What do I mean? Well drag out and dust off your imagination for a minute and indulge me. Picture unforced, but absolutely joyful moments in life. Example: a Sunday afternoon with a family living room camp-out complete with a Lord of the Rings marathon. Or a perfectly timed teaching conversation disguised as a story from your childhood leaving all three of your kids wide-eyed and completely enveloped in your words with a hardy and enticing meal placed underneath their chins at each place around your family table. Maybe an old and loyal dog at your side as you sit on the porch and contemplate your blessings. My recent favorite, your husband allowing your kitten to snuggle at the end of the bed while the fake fireplace sets a glow over all three of you, ever so cozy.
List them with me: rain drops on your nose, a caught snowflake, a hot cup of coffee on a weekend morning as you flip pancakes, a puppy licking your face, a child holding your hand, laughter that ends with your stomach hurting, a full day of yardwork ending with you admiring your effort, the smell of the forest, breaking a sweat horseback- you and your mount, unplanned Kodak moments, or the forgiving love of a child. The list can go on and on.
Hoping you decided to leave that imagination in working order, imagine a lifetime of simple yet joyful moments that you noticed and savored. That vs. a lifetime of striving for the grand things, the impossible dreams, and chasing perfection, all the while forgetting to enjoy the small stuff. Which one sounds more fulfilling?
Gus was mindful in his existence. He savored his life in the present, every delicious morsel. He accepted himself and his plight, adding in humor whenever he could. He loved fully and faced fear with faith. And at the end, there with Woodrow, he had no regrets. -“It’s been a hell of a ride.”
I think I’d like to follow his lead.
-with luv
Modest Ramblings 