“You know we just don’t recognize the most significant moments of our lives while they’re happening. They simply brush past us like a stranger in a crowd.”
That’s a snippet from one of my favorite movie quotes of all time. It’s from Field of Dreams my all-time favorite movie.
Ray Kinsella has just asked Doc “Moonlight” Graham what it was like when he had his one chance at bat and in the field in the major leagues.
In high school and college, I was fortunate to play on some very good basketball teams. Unfortunately, I know I didn’t recognize the significance of those moments at the time. They brushed past me like a stranger in a crowd and are great memories but were not appreciated appropriately when they happened..
Vividly, I remember being unexpectedly put into a varsity game as a sophomore in high school that had a significant impact on my belief in myself as a player. It wasn’t until many years later I realized the significance of that moment.
I felt like I played like a headless chicken having no idea where my next step would take me. I didn’t enjoy the moment.
When I had my final games in both high school and college I remember great sadness and disappointment that it was over and I would never play a real game with those teammates again. I didn’t enjoy the moment of what we had gone through over the years in practice and games.
Slowly, I am learning more and more to try and recognize the significant moments in my life. Maybe it’s simply holding my grandson after he has awakened from a nap like I did today. If you’ve read previous posts of mine you know that is something I never thought I would experience. I felt the significance of that moment.
Maybe it’s being challenged to do something so scary it makes your sphincter pucker. I had an experience like that early in my speaking career when I was asked to speak to an audience that I felt I had no business being in front of. Because of the Kinsiella quote, right in the midst of speaking I thought to myself, “Wow! How lucky and blessed am I to be able to be doing this right now?!” I was able to enjoy the moment in spite of the fear and discomfort raging through my body.
Maybe it’s the aging process that helps us to recognize significant moments as they are happening.
Do you recognize significance in your life? Do you have the courage to live in the now? Why are you waiting for something significant to happen when significance is all around you?
“What day is it?”
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
My favorite day,” said Pooh. A. A. Milne
Have a STRONG and COURAGEOUS day!
I was in that audience and was so blessed. I’m being courageous and checking out several new avenues in life. I’ll see what God opens up. Today was just the simple blessing of visiting an elderly lady who can no longer make it to church. No more beating myself up with “why didn’t I do this sooner?” Today was a new day-yesterday was gone. So I will see what comes next.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Cheryl! Congratulations on living courageously in the moment. You made a difference in that lady’s life today and in yours as well!
Love your commentary. I still play basketball twice a week at 70 years-old. Played on Friday and was the high scorer in several of our games (seniors play to 15, take a rest, then play again). We have two guys over 80 who play regularly and several in their 70s. Next time your in Loveland, Colorado, come and join us!
Thanks, Ron. I play 3 mornings a week and feel pretty good about that at 59. About two years ago I said that I hoped to be able to play until I’m 60! You and your octogenarian friends are making me rethink that wimpy goal! If I do ever get to Loveland I will contact you ahead of time to get in on the action with you!
So true Dave. I’m reading “Advice on Dying and Living a Better Life” by Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins. In the book the Dalai Lama reflects on fourteenth century writings on dying and how only when we realize the temporaryness of this life can we truly let go of the past and future and learn to appreciate this moment for the first time. This moment, now… And by doing so truly live. Thanks for the insights.
Tom, thank you for reading and commenting on my post! I have not heard of that book so will have to explore it a little bit. Sounds like a great read with a lot of food for thought! For me, living in the moment is a war that will never be over but I believe I am winning more battles than I used to! How about you?