The man looked at the houses and front lawns as he drove down the street.  He enjoyed his neighborhood and has watched over the decades as it matured.  Many neighbors came and went, but he was one of the few “original owners” remaining.

His children had all grown and left the nest.  Soon, he suspected he would be a grandfather.   Many of the neighbors were just starting their family.  He enjoyed the young children, for it kept the neighborhood energetic.   Sure, the kids would get in mischief once in a while, but he figured that was “pay back” for when his children were doing the same to his neighbors.

“Life passes you by” the man thought, “unless you do something about it.”  The man continued the drive to his place of work, on an early morning.  His job was becoming somewhat mundane, but sometimes being “uneventful” is a nice break from the stresses of the world.  He enjoyed his work and was very good at his skill.   He worked in a machine shop making parts for equipment generally placed in factories.

His engineering background has served him well over the years and he is happy with his career choice.  Working for himself has some challenges, but it also has lots of benefits.  He has worked for himself for a couple of decades now, and someday may be able to sell his business and retire.

“Time sure flies,”  he thought as he continued the drive out of the neighborhood.   “I wonder when I’ll look back at this period in my life and think how long ago that seems?”

He was always attempting to “wake himself up” for the distractions of life, so that he might not miss his own life.   When the children were younger he always made sure he attended every conference and meeting with the teachers.  He never missed a ball game, or a science fair.   No matter how busy he was, he was always there.

Now, looking back he is happy that he made those commitments.  He has more time now, and the business is more stable, but the children aren’t young anymore.   “Yup, I’m glad I spent the time when the children had the time.  Now, his kids are getting much busier in their own lives, and soon will be starting their own family. ”

“Benjamin, do not ever take anyone for granted,” he reminded himself.  He knows that life is precious, as all people do, but he always reminded himself of it whenever he could.  If the children happen to stop by, he’ll drop everything to see them.  If his aging parents are in town, he will take the day off of work to visit with them.

“People and relationships” are my number one priority, he muttered.  “Yup, this will be the year of relationships for me.”

He was always designating a particular month something like “health month,”  “family month,”  “work month,” “fun month.”  He’s had lots of them over the years.  But his year he is going to devote the year to relationships.

“I want to make sure I do not leave anything unsaid, and to make sure I don’t miss anything. ”

“Someday, I’ll sell the business and it will be gone.  My relationships need to be fulfilled all of the time  – forever.”

The rest of the drive the man simply enjoyed the view of the short drive to his shop.   He was the first to arrive, so he unlocked the door to the back warehouse.   As the door rolled open, he heard a giant “surprise.”

All of his children, friends and family were there with smiles on their faces.  The man was astonished and looked a little worried.  His wife came forward and gave him a big hug, “honey, we didn’t want you working on your birthday.  After all, it’s a Sunday!”

The man hugged his wife, and made his rounds to his children and all in attendance.

“Yes, this is the year of relationships, and I’m fortunate enough to have many people in my life.  People, I will never take for granted.”

Ω

The man knew the value of relationships and understood that life goes by you, if you let it.  Take the time to enjoy the people you have in your life at this moment.  Enjoy them, honor them, and love them!

InspiraCard

Life is like a slow-moving ship that passes by the shore.  You can look for a moment at the contents of the shore before the ship is too far away.  Stop, and throw a line to dock your boat, so that you may enjoy the trip you call life.

Written Mon Mar 17, 2014, 7:35 – 7:54 AM MT