Going Through the Motions? How Children Remind You of More….
To Live Like You Were Dying!
"And he said....'I went skydiving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu
And I loved deeper
And I spoke sweeter
And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying'
And he said
'Someday I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dying' "-Tim McGraw, lyrics from the song, Live Like You Were Dying
You might sometimes catch yourself thinking, “Is there
more to life than just this routine?” Or perhaps you might even say to
yourself, in going through the motions, “Why am I here when none of this really
matters?” We have all been subject to roles and responsibilities that cause us
to simply walk through the motions and live in the doldrums of dryness and
monotony.
While one might be able to argue if a job matters or, on
the other hand, does not matter much at all outside of a paycheck, the principles
of parenthood, mentorship, relationships, and community remain paramount both now
and tomorrow. Small moments with loved ones signify the times that make you want
to “live like you were dying.”
When a situation seems bleak, do you remember the most important things in your life as
opposed to the daily burdens of responsibility that make one question everything?
For example, I sometimes feel frustrated when people make decisions for me, on my behalf, that do
not make sense for all that are affected, which directly influences the role I play and thus my enjoyment of that role. Those scenarios impact me and those who must follow the specific policies
in place, often for the self-interests of those who implement them.
In other words, the interests serving the whole group are not the primary
reasons or motivations for the decisions being rendered but rather only the self-indulgence of one or two people.
I get caught up in my disappointment with unmet
expectations of what could be better. Emotions of anger, disappointment, and
frustration can become misleading, even when so much good exists in the
possibilities right in front of us. Positive thoughts lead to positive words
that then lead to positive actions.
As Lisa and I are about to celebrate Annabelle's
one-year birthday, my daughter’s smile reminds me to stay present in the moment
I currently live in. Her positive vibes dancing to Motown music at Singo nights
(Bingo with popular music titles) in a local Knoxville restaurant, hands in the
air, waving them like we just don’t care, could certainly be the focus of my
attention over the bore of a routine. Memories of her smile, much like Peter
Pan and his son, Jack (plot from the movie, Hook), take me to my happy
place, and it becomes essential that I do not forget that. And so, Annabelle
has taught me some valuable lessons when I start walking through the motions of
a routine, without focusing on or living for the moments that truly matter.
First, we must learn to focus on the joy of the incredible
days more so than the disappointments of organizational wishful thinking. We cannot control the actions and decisions of others,
even when those circumstantial compromises make no sense whatsoever.
Second, every time a negative thought enters our mind,
we must make a legitimate effort to temper that negativity with seven positive
notions of good things, those good things that bring you effortless joy. The
obvious entity here would be Jesus. Try declaring how much Jesus rocks or how
much God loves you seven times for every minute that looming negative sentiment
comes forward.
Third, remember when and where God has shown up in the
past, especially during those times of defined miracles in your life. We are
quick to forget these blessings when our gloomy feelings get the best of us.
God must have done something miraculous and good in your life. Jog your memory.
Dig deep within and write it down. Remember the good He has done and the good He
continues to do.
I will be the first to admit that life is not always
super exciting and that I sometimes catch myself walking through life without
much appreciation or acknowledgment for the intangible gifts blessed upon me. Life
then becomes routine. It becomes uneventful. It becomes a walk through the
motions of boredom and obligation. Try to catch yourself in these times of
redundancy. Remember the three lessons Annabelle has taught me with consistent
reminders. Focus on the incredible days. Counter mental negativity with internal
positive statements. Remember when God showed up in your life and miracles were
abundant. Then, eventually, joy will come again along with a sincere smile on
your face. Yes, even though there is a time of waiting, joy eventually comes
again.
Below you will see evidence from some the most recent
Annabelle moments that remind me to "live like I was dying." This
journey called life only comes once. Try to enjoy the path while you have it
good, sometimes better than you might even realize.
(Caption: "My hair looks best when I wake up in the morning.")
#daddydestinations #daddy #dad #blog #family
#DaddiesAndDaughters #destinations #memories #story #narrative #inspiration
#JamesCartee
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