Take a deep breath, say a short prayer, look around and be prepared to relish the opportunity.
Too often in life we take for granted the good people, places and events we enjoy. I've learned over time, though, that while we think we may repeat many of these good times again and again, the reality is that we often don't return to that situation again.
So before events great and small, take a moment to reflect on the value, importance, grace, and goodness of the event.
As I think about this, some phrases and questions that might focus your attention include these:
- These good people are people I have loved and cared for and who have loved and cared for me over time. I am grateful to have them in my life.
- This event is a coming together of people I love and care about--I want to relish this opportunity to be amongst those I love and care about.
- I am grateful for the beauty and camaraderie of this moment in time.
- I am glad you are here, what can I do to make this a special time for you?
- There are always surprises when people gather
- Conflict exists, it is a natural part of life and we have the chance to greet conflict with anger, frustration, and/or worry or we can simply allow conflict to exist until we figure out a better way
- Let's focus on the joy and leave the worries for another day
- Nothing is perfect and that's okay
- Be present, be grateful, be ready to change in valuable ways
Recently on a Twitter post, I read the sage advice to look at life's have-to's as privileges. For example, I have to exercise today to I have the privilege to exercise today. That is an empowering change. Also as I study Poland and WW2, I recognize how we can't allow ourselves to become lazy, disrespectful, uncaring, or swayed by those who will harm to others--we have to remain present, aware, grateful, gracious, and loving--we cannot allow ourselves or others to work in ways that harm and hurt one another. We can do better.