Blog 2389 – 05.10.2022

Counting The Days, Making Every Moment Count

When I was a young man, far from home, fifty-two years ago in the Republic of South Vietnam, I counted the days till I could return home to family, friends, and familiar faces and places. Most of us soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen and women were so focused on returning home that we perhaps missed more than a moment or two looking forward. Young people waste a lot of time in a hurry to skip over it to some future they think will be so much better. On this day fifty-two years ago I thought I had eight more months to go in ‘Nam. I actually had a little less than seven as I got a rare Christmas gift from the Army so I could be home for Christmas – I got to go home a month and a few days early. I thought I had a little wife waiting at home for me. I did not, she had already found someone else, or would very shortly. Coming home turned out to be one of the most painful and stressful experiences of my life. How I wish I had been more focused on where I was and the people around me and enjoyed those equally precious moments instead of being so focus on a future that was never to be.

We have this day, today, and what we do with it is up to us. I like to remind myself daily that: “Whatsoever my hands find to do this day, I will do with my whole heart finding purpose in the most menial and repetitive of tasks.” It helps me to remember to make the most of the opportunities presented to me and to live life more fully.

Tomorrow is promised to no one. And even if we get tomorrow, it very likely will turn out differently than we imagine. Live each day fully enjoying each moment for the present, the gift, it truly is.

Your friend and fellow traveler,

David White

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zRodvt6wJfGiPuNEWrgHBGf7J30Pv_X1/view?usp=drivesdk

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