Be in the Moment

Everything that I am reading or experiencing lately is whispering slow down, sit a while, enjoy those sunsets, pick your flowers, and so much more. Life is short. Think about it. It really is and we are never promised tomorrow. We each get one unique and beautiful day at a time. Many things lurk to steal our joys in life: cancer, violence, diseases, car wrecks, and addictions. I could go on and on. Are you present in your moments? Do you look into the eyes of who is talking with you or do you constantly check your social media? Are you helping others experience joy? Do you fill your conversations with negatives or positives? I’ve missed many moments being too preoccupied with things that do not really matter. We are all guilty of that. They do call this life a “rat race.” I challenge you do stop and breathe and look for beauty in your moments. Stop rushing through your lives. Kiss your loved ones with passion. Look into their eyes when they speak. Listen to your family’s laughter. Share their tears. As I said, life is brutally short. We flower then we fade so quickly. Since becoming wheelchair bound, I’m listening to the Spirit when it whispers in my ear and floods my vision with beauty and awe. I am more complete than when I was before my motor neuron disease. I am filled with peace and joy. It really spills out of me. Can beauty come out of the tragedies of our lives? The answer is a resounding YES! My life is proof of that. Here’s the catch. Turn off your iPads, phones, and televisions. Be in the Moment. Your rat race can become a pilgrimage of peace and love

Selfie Generation

We are all so terribly guilty of being selfie obsessed. When and wherever we go we have to take a selfie. Is this a bad thing? No. My point today is that our world is in trouble. We ponder why? Why so many shootings? Why so much prejudice? Why so many children raising themselves? Why so many violent acts against other humans? Why are we creating more divisions? We have always been in this thing together. Each year as I taught American History, the Civil Rights period was riveting to my students. I saw their eyes literally open during the unit of study. They could not believe the cruelty of Americans versus Americans because of color. I have to say I know in my heart many of those students became culturally literate. Now, let’s get back to selfies. I challenge you to be selfless in a selfie world. Be the voice of reason. Be the mediator of peace. Be loving and forgiving. Be educated. Be fair. And above all, be selfless and I guarantee you will live some of the best days of your life.