A to Z Challenge: “P”aths in life

“Life is a journey, not a destination.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

I’m feeling sentimental so you get a schmaltzy “P” blog. Emerson’s quote is one of my favorites. I believe this with my whole heart yet it’s so easy for me to forget.

There have been a few things in the news that have reminded me of this lately. And, I remember a friend of mine who liked his job but had his retirement day figured out to the exact calendar date. When we’d talk, he’d say to me, “I only have 690 days left until retirement.”

I feel that way too, sometimes. I’ve been working since I was 15 years old. I had to fib on my application at Wyatt’s Cafeteria in Denver, Colorado, because you had to be 16 to work there. I met a few good friends, discovered my love of Rose Royce and the song, “Wishing On a Star,” and concluded that my fine hair didn’t “do” well when I worked over hot food because the humidity made me look like a wet rat by the end of my shift. I also don’t look great in a hair net, in case you were wondering. It was my first real job, though, and the money was nice. It meant independence and not having to ask my parents for an allowance. My mom both liked the fact that I was earning money and disliked it, because I wasn’t as dependent on them.

“I only have 610 days left until retirement.” My friend was suddenly diagnosed with cancer, went through chemotherapy and was pronounced cancer-free. He was in his mid-fifties and had a loving family, including grandchildren. He had a lot to live for and enjoyed traveling on his vacations to visit his children. He had such a positive attitude even when he was diagnosed. He was an inspiration to me.

Many days I’m so intent on “getting things done” at work – crossing things off of my list, that I forget to show true care and concern for the people I work with. I’m really blessed to work with so many different people – creative types, organized types, retired types, young people and older people. Each person has a story to tell. Some have children and grandchildren. Some may be struggling with hard times or health issues, yet you’d never know it by their positive attitudes and genuine care for others.

On a Christian radio station last week, I heard the broadcaster say, “Thank you, God, for the gift of another day.” So, instead of counting down my days until retirement, or until XYZ happens, I was reminded to focus on today and make it the best day ever. Sometimes easier said than done.

“Just 586 days until retirement.” After beating cancer and continuing with a regimen of eating healthy and exercise, my friend came down with an unusual illness and died about a month afterward. No one in the world would have predicted his passing.

No one knows God’s plans for his or her life. Life is so precious and it is never guaranteed.

Our journeys – the people, events, emotions, conversations – those are what matter. There was a meme on social media that said, “No one is going to stand up at your funeral and say ‘she had a really expensive couch and great shoes.’ Don’t make life about things,” from Whole Mom. Thank goodness, because I don’t have an expensive couch or great shoes – just ask those who are more fashionable than me!

I had my second knee replaced in December and it’s taken me awhile to get back my confidence in doing outside things. Our spring has been especially pretty and as I walked past our lilacs the other night, I couldn’t believe the beautiful aroma. The red buds have just bloomed and the carpenter bees have announced their return on our backyard deck. I pray that I can keep the above quotes in mind, as I stretch my “legs” into areas that may be uncomfortable for me but are areas for real growth in my walk with Christ and others.