We Are Blessed!

We have been given this amazing gift that we call life that most of us have the privilege of living, learning and loving for seventy, eighty, ninty plus years. Yes, it is filled with ups and downs, challenges and victories, but isn’t that one of the things that makes it such an amazing adventure.

Stop And Think About What A Wonderful Gift This Life Is.

I think one of the great tragedies of this life is that we often get so distracted by the living it, that we miss out on what an amazing gift it is. To get up in the morning and see the sunrise. To walk outside in the cool breeze and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. To hear the songs that the birds make, to see the play of squirrels and to taste something we like and be transported back to a special time, place and memory. There are so many incredible gifts that we are given as a part of this gift of life and what a tragedy that we are usually so distracted that we miss them and waste away our days.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER…

One of my favorite teachers and mentors was Leo Buscaglia, He used to tell the story, which he discovered in the Journal Of Humanistic Psychololgy of a dying 85 year old man imagining “How he would’ve lived his life differently if given the chance.” You can also find the story in Leo’s book: “Living, Loving & Learning”. The old man said:

“If I had my life to live over again, I’d try to make more mistakes next time. I wouldn’t try to be so perfect. I would relax more. I’d limber up. I’d be sillier than I’ve been on this trip. In fact, I know very few things that I would take so seriously, I’d be crazier. I’d be less hygienic. I’d take more chances, I’d take more trips, I’d climb more mountains, I’d swim more rivers, I’d watch more sunsets, I’d go more places I’ve never been to. I’d eat more ice cream and fewer beans. I’d have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.

You see I was one of those people who lived prophylactically and sensibly and sanely hour after hour and day after day. Oh, I’ve had my moments, and if I had it to do all over again, I’d have more of those moments. In fact, I’d try to have nothing but beautiful moments- moment by moment by moment.

I’ve been one of those people who never went anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I had to do it all over again, I’d travel lighter next time. If I had to do it all over again, I’d start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I’d ride more merry-go-rounds, I’d watch more sunrises, and I’d play with more children, if I had my life to live over again. But you see, I don’t.”

Think Of All The Things We Have The Opportunity To Enjoy.

I challenge you today to not wait until it is too late. Start right now enjoying all the blessings that this incredible gift of life offers to you. Spend time with people who help you discover the better version of yourself. Don’t just drink that cup of whatever, but savor it and enjoy it’s flavor. Don’t just eat food to eat, but enjoy the flavor and texture of every bite. Don’t just touch, but when you touch make sure that you feel and are felt. This life is God’s gift to you and what you do with it is your gift back to God – enjoy every moment.

Count Your Blessings!

One of the best ways I know to make sure that we are getting the most out of the amazing gift called life is to count our blessings. To actually make and take the time to think about what we are thankful for. To express our thanksgiving out loud as an acknowledgement of appreciation that we get it and are grateful.

When we really begin to get that this life is an amazing gift and we really get grateful for the gift that it is – life takes on a whole new meaning and living becomes an amazing adventure. I pray that we all get this sooner, rather than later…