Make Each Day Count

Yesterday was maintenance program day. It started at 8am with a dentist appointment. I told myself it won’t be that bad and to be brave. Like most people, I would have to say the dentist ranks low as a place I like to spend my time.

I decided to remain lighthearted and share some stories until he brought out the drill. He said if I need anything or feel any pain to just raise my left hand. It felt like an hour but it was only 20 minutes before I was compelled to raise my left hand. There was a sudden urge to let him know the brave was gone and the baby was coming out. How much longer I asked? I don’t like the taste and I don’t like the sound of the drill. After 1.5 hours, one filling and prep for the crown they let me go.

I headed over to my next appointment.

My next appointment was with the Ophthalmologist. I was getting my new frames sized for some fancy powerful glasses that will help relieve the eye stress when in front of the computer, and for reading. Oh, let’s not forget the nighttime driving. Is this what they call progressive? I checked in and kindly explained the drooling and puffy cheeks. After all I did not want them thinking I was showing up drunk and with a mouth full of chew! I decided I’d spoil myself and had picked out a cool pair of Coach. I will now be able to see myself smile!

As I drove home I was consumed with all the maintenance needed as I grow older. They say you’re as young as you feel. Well I must be in my mid 30’s because I feel young. It’s only when I look into the mirror or the computer that I am reminded of how quickly the years are catching up to me.

Once home I fell asleep from all of the drama and numbing from the day. Now trust me, I never take naps. Could this be another sign? I gently told myself to get used to it because I have been informed napping is common in the later years. Hmm, I wonder if this is due to not having time to nap while raising kids, building a career and a family. Now later in life when things are supposed to slow down, we do too?

Later in the evening I found myself sitting in yet another chair, my hairdressers. These appointments do rank high on my list because she massages my neck and I get to lay back with my head in the sink while someone else washes my hair! I think I fell asleep again. I wanted to ask her about the grey coming in but I figured if I could see it without my glasses than she knew it was there. (Proverbs 16:31)

While driving home I was thinking of friends who are a “little” older than me and I was reminded of how gracefully they are growing. How they embrace life and appear to be enjoying the “golden” years. They’ve put in the hard work and are now enjoying the fruits of their labor. (They’ve Bucket Lists) They take time out for themselves and appreciate the finer things. They’re living one day at a time.

Why is it we put things off until our “tomorrows” what we can do today? All of us can look back and think why did I not do this or that when I had the time? Why wait? Why live with more regret when you can make those changes now. Now is the time to live, while you’re still alive and breathing on your own. Now is the time to love while your heart is still beating. Now is the time to look good and to feel good while you’re able to take care of yourself, fend for yourself. In the last two weeks I’ve heard more stories of women who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Young women.

Life is fleeting.

James 4:14 “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.”

Don’t put off today what you can do tomorrow. Don’t hold back love today thinking you’ll love someone tomorrow…Don’t stop taking care of yourself because you think it’s too late and no one will notice. Love yourself enough to enjoy the life you’ve been given. Seize the moments God has so graciously given to you. Make life count your blessings and not your regrets.

Psalms 90:12 “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”

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