My son lives in Ohio now, away at college, but often I think about the days long ago when he played youth football and we’d spend most of August running him out to practice. August of course is the hottest and most humid months, but that was made even more miserable with a contingent of gnats that managed to find their way into eyes and noses. Just a typical August football practice.
While the boys were experiencing great misery, there wasn’t a dad on the sideline that wouldn’t jump at the chance to trade places with their sons, myself included.
You see, for those of us that played football as a youth or in high school, we only remember the fun of the game and the great memories and stories we share. Funny as it sounds, even those hot and muggy practices seem like great fun now.
What’s the lesson for us today?
Put the stress and pain of today in perspective. Even if life proves miserable now, there’s a good chance that down the line, you may actually look back at today with a sense of nostalgia, and even a wish to go back.
The problem with wishing away our troubles is that we wish away the days that contain them. I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking of trying to make the most of each and every day, good and bad, in hopes that I can enjoy the best of times right here and now!
So this week, take a look at your current situation. Figure out where you need to go and put a plan in place to get there, but at least look for the good in every situation. Visualize yourself in 10 years looking back. What will you miss the most? Find those things and take time to relish the moments. You won’t have to regret doing that later.
