It isn’t spring yet, but we have had a few warmer days in the past week. Of course, I am thankful for the warmer weather because I can get out and walk without so many layers of clothing. Makes walking a little easier for sure.
I received an email from a friend who hasn’t quite experienced the big thaw yet. The picture is one she sent me. It took me a minute to get the full benefit of it but once I did I began to understand. Of course, I’m not sure whether she built the snowman or if she found it online. But, for sure it expressed her “cabin fever.”
Admittedly, living in the south has many advantages as far as good weather goes. For that I am really thankful. Snow reminds me of grandchildren. Always nice to see them arrive. Always better to see them leave after a few days.
Don’t get me wrong. Grandchildren are a real gift. And, of course, we love them. But, like snow that lingers too long, our nerves start to fray when the grand kids are here too long. Like the grand kids, snow disrupts our normal schedule — but company that stays too long always starts to get on my last nerve.
I guess when we are young we enjoy stuff so much that we want it to last forever. But, as we get older we want to enjoy the thrill of it and move on. Maybe it has something to do with mortality and the realization that we have so much to do. I’m not talking about being so busy with cleaning the house or cooking or work. I’m talking about that list I keep of all the things I want to do that I haven’t gotten around to.
Speaking of all the things I want to do that I haven’t done yet, I think sometimes the kids don’t want to hang around too long either. They have lives of their own and things to do. Quite honestly, I’m not so sure they understand — yet— some of the things on my list. Well, they have things on their lists — their dreams. But, they always think they can do it tomorrow. I guess when you get to a certain age “tomorrow” takes on a different appearance.
One of the kids asked me if I ever think about dying. Well, no. I don’t think about dying but I am aware of life’s timeline. With that in mind I am usually highly motivated to go places I have never been, do things I have never done, and even sample foods I have never tasted. It’s called living! Not existing — living.
I encourage the kids to not put off the things they really want to do. I can’t afford it isn’t always a good excuse. I’m not suggesting they be reckless with their earnings. I’m just suggesting that life can pass us by. We can plan our lives away.
Today I am thankful that it is warmer, although it is raining. I don’t melt so I can get out and go to the bookstore. That always makes me happy. Today I am thankful for the good life that I am living.
“Life is what happens while you are making other plans.” — John Lennon
