Reflections

This is the time of year when people focus on what they’ve done, what they want to do, what they should be doing and what they must do next.

Ruminations on the past, resolutions for the future. Meanwhile, the present is nearly forgotten.

It is so easy to get caught up the would haves, could haves and should haves, along with the “need to nexts,” the “I’d be happier if only I coulds,” and the “I wishes,” that appreciation for the here and now can be lost.

It seems like focusing on the present is a bit passé. Perhaps a quaint pastime lost in today’s hustle and bustle. There are certainly a fair number of people eager to put 2008 behind them, and many more eagerly looking forward to 2009.

But taking a moment to appreciate life’s gifts as they occur is simple, and worth it, for the world offers up a bounty of things to be thankful for every day.

They are found in the smallest of moments, the briefest of glimpses, the faintest of sounds and the most subtle of touches.

There is your child’s hand wrapped around your index finger as you navigate a busy parking lot. Or her crawling into your lap for a snuggle in the middle of the day.

There’s your lover’s hand on the small of your back, and a soft kiss by candlelight.

There’s the sparkle of bubbles filling the tub, followed by the smell of freshly scrubbed skin and strands of hair heavily scented with shampoo.

There is the purr of a cat.

The tingle of cold air on your face.

Sunlight in your child’s hair.

Fireflies in summer. The explosion of color in autumn. Moonlight on snow. The first flowers of spring. And the knowledge that as each season passes, the next brings completely routine, but wonderful, joys.

There is the smell of a meal cooking in your kitchen.

There is sun. And snow. And rain. And wind.

There is music and dance. And art – whatever that means to you.

Life is enjoyed in mushy, noisy kisses from three-year-olds and small arms wrapped tightly – so tightly - around your neck.

It is realized in meals shared with friends, or sometimes a peaceful meal alone. It is chocolate, and cheese, and fruit and wine.

Appreciation is found in the quiet moments (the rhythmic breathing next to you in bed) and the boisterous ones (a room full of laughing family the day after Christmas).

It is watching children play boisterously on the playground, and sitting by their bedside as they sleep in complete peace.

It is a heart beating. Lungs expanding and contracting. Eyes focusing. Ears pulling it all in. The brain piecing it all together.

It is the here. It is the now.

It is life and love and laughter.

It is real. So take it in. Grab it. Experience it.

Make that your resolution.

It’s the easiest one to keep.