I was thinking this morning about how wonderful life feels right now. I had the same thought last night, accompanied by a parallel awareness of how precariously poised this all truly is. While walking out of a store with Jen as the sun was setting and the hills gradually relinquished their hold on a fading amber hue of light, I said, "Can you believe we get to experience this?". She, of course, knew exactly what I meant, being a reference not to the moment alone, but the moments together, the ongoing momentum of the time we feel so fortunate to share.
To have the friends we have, a home, our "recently-resurrected-from-the-dead" dog at our side, the laughter with a neighbor sharing stories over a weekly coffee routine, the warmth of a firepit complemented by the warmth of a sunrise... it all feels idyllic while likely to pivot from underneath us at any given moment, for any number of probable reasons.
That is what makes it all so significant and noteworthy. That it's transitional, that it won't last forever, or as we came so close to experiencing with Scottie, it can be gone with little or no time to prepare. It's inevitable.
How then should we navigate the prevailing winds' impending change? Do we exchange the recognition and gratitude for an experience behind us when the present brings loss, heartache, pain, or grief? When do desires necessitate compromise and sacrifice? Or can we accept what is beyond our control as gracefully and with the same gratitude for life we typically reserve for the "good" moments?
As these thoughts circled my mind this morning, I recognized them all as the reason for my own joy and gratitude. If everything were always perfect, if we never struggled, aged, ached, or longed for contentment, would there be any value in this experience at all? Is the height to which one might soar not a reflection of the depth to which one might swoop?
Is it reasonable and possible to consistently maintain a healthy, balanced perspective throughout either?
Is there any greater challenge?
Baby, life's what you make itCelebrate itAnticipate itYesterday's fadedNothing can change itLife's what you make it- Talk Talk