We hosted a little party to celebrate ‘The Office’ Finale: a favorite show of mine for many years now. Surrounded by friends and snuggled up next to my jet-lagged but at-home hubby, I was so content. And so we ate “J + P” cookies and cupcakes decorated with beets…and we watched. We laughed, we screamed at the TV (yes, you know why), and we even cried. Some of us.
About halfway through the show, Andy Bernard made a statement which seemed all too true and poignant. He said, “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” As we reminisced about the “good old days” and the many “Office” episodes that filled those college years – I felt like Andy’s quote fit perfectly. Our times together at Kent State were real, life-changing, and ideal: our memories bonding us for years to come.
However, good times still await us. Weddings, new jobs, babies, travel experiences, etc. Even now, many of us are in these wonderful seasons. Is it strange to take life-advice from a funny sitcom? I suppose so. But, the quote stuck with me – and it reminds me to relish the current moment. I am, indeed, in the “good old days” right now. Some time in the future, I will look back and recognize how ideal and wonderful my life is right. now. Just as it is.
And so, I continue to learn to be content. And if the reminders to enjoy each moment come from a ridiculous and hilarious sitcom, so be it.
And, big thanks to Katie. We ran around in a flurry to get all the baked goods ready ahead of time. We pretended to be on cake wars, of course.
(Pics from my iPhone)
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Do you ever feel like the seasons just ebb and flow, so very quickly? I know that I am young: incredibly young in comparison to the many wise ones who have gone before me. But, I am beginning to feel the pages of time turn faster. Oh, “they” say that time goes faster and faster as we get older. And yes, I believe “them.” However, with each passing season, I realize that the beauty of those moments-in-time now take their place as memories. I cannot go back.
Perhaps much of this is spurred by the unbelievable realization that Keith and I are coming up on our one year anniversary. Shouldn’t that first year just linger and pause, like a slow-motion version of the busy life I usually know? It would be nice. But, rather than slow-paced and calm, the days continue to zoom by me. And if this first summer, fall, and winter went fast…then will all the rest? If our first seasons took me by storm, will I ever get my bearings and live the slow-life I dream of?
I have been fixed on this idea for a couple of years now – slowing down. I spent a few months in South Africa – enjoying a truly quiet and simple life. And when I returned to the US, I told myself I would keep it up! Have I failed entirely? No, probably not. But when I do slow down, I almost always realize how very fast I had been going.
So, what is the solution? Is there an escape from the chaos of busyness? Sure thing. I know the answer; it is nothing new to me. My mom has taught me and ever-strived to live this one word: simplify. For this, I thank her. And as with many other lessons, I imagine this one will be a process.
Today I start a new category: “simplify.” For my heart longs to live simply, valuing the most important things. Focused on the Lord, focused on my marriage, loving my friends and family, creating, learning.
simplify
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Bing Crosby sings a charming tune called “Any Town is Paris when You’re Young.” The idea strikes a chord with me, both because I love my town and I dream of visiting Paris someday. So, enjoy this little tune here on a Monday. And try to thing of one thing you love about your town: one thing you are thankful for. Today, I am thankful to have watched the transformation of Kent, Ohio right before my eyes. So many exciting new additions, with the funky old charm still there.
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Sometimes my life flies past without a chance to be still. To “take it all in” as they say. And so while always hoping to learn the art of balance, I continue to just enjoy the moments day by day. I have gained a new-found desire to document all these little things – even if I don’t have my good camera with me. iPhones these days… =)
My brother is finishing his last year of high school – you know how it goes. So many things feel like a “last.” But, we enjoy it all the same! Musicals and baseball games. (I loved his costume for “Joseph & the amazing…” Cracked me up!)
Keith and I continue to enjoy our first year of marriage together. Sometimes, we remain creatures of habit: date night = mexican food. And other times, we branch out and try something new! Keith went antiquing with me; I went on a bike ride with him.
Oh and my dear friend Megan is getting married! So many fun conversations and life-talk as she preps for this next big step. Love her.
