Now

There are no “do-overs.” We can’t change the past. We can shape tomorrow by what we do today. What are you doing now? If nothing else, this pandemic has taught me to be prepared. We don’t know what the future holds, but we can equip ourselves. We have the opportunity to shift our lives in ways we never could before this pandemic. There are free classes and tools that are accessible, now. There are ways to better ourselves, now. There are ways to be better prepared for similar circumstances, now. We can budget better, now. We can live better, now. Do something, anything, now!

Reset

Don’t you wish you could go back and press the reset button on certain moments in your life? Kinda like a do-over. Not really regret, but I could have made a better decision. Well, maybe its just me. I definitely feel that way. Maybe I spoke too soon or I moved too fast. I definitely have a few of those situations. We can’t change the past, but we can learn from it. We can choose to do things differently. We can reset our path every time we change our mind. Everyday is a new day to get it right. Every moment is an opportunity to reset.

Reconcile

I promise no spoilers! I am a big Marvel fan and one of the recurring themes in the last two installments of the Infinity War series was reconciliation. I think most of us think that reconciliation is things going back to the way they were or restoration. However, to reconcile means to bring harmony. It does not mean that relationships are restored, it means you are at peace with the current state of things. It means you are willing to let go and let God. It means you may not understand or agree, but you trust that God is in control. Reconciliation is a necessary part of our growth and our process.

Memories

 “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.”- Dr. Seuss

We take so much for granted. Time with children and loved ones is fleeting. We can’t stop time. We have to live in the moment before they become memories. We have to cherish every kiss, every hug because we just never know when we won’t get that opportunity again. I’m not saying live in fear. I am saying live in love. Love each other. Understand the value of friendships and relationships. Make memories that will last.

Here

Sometimes, all people need from you is to be present and accounted for the moments that matter. Sometimes, all that matters is that you are here. It's important that you make time for the people that matter in your life. Life happens. You're gonna be late. You might miss some things due to schedule conflicts. Take off. Plan accordingly. Make your family and loved ones a priority. Make the things of God a priority. Make sure that when it counts, you are here. Turn off your phone and pay attention. Be fully present and enjoy life's simple pleasures.

Mother!

I assure you this is not about the psychological horror film written and directed by Darren Aronofsky. I am sure some of you would describe motherhood as a psychological horror. I can admit that I have compared childbirth to scenes from the Alien franchise. I have daydreamed about my own nuclear family. However, as God would have it, I became a mother. No, I am not pregnant. I willingly chose to love, care, protect and nurture two little girls. I willingly chose to be present in their lives. Motherhood is a choice to be present even when all parties involved don't make the same choice. I am a mother. Many of you are mothers. Motherhood is defined by presence not presents. Its definition is not always nuclear. Sometimes, it's blended. Sometimes, it's mended. Sometimes, it's complicated. Regardless, it doesn't negate the fact that you are a mother.