stop waiting for the stars to align

Do you ever catch yourself saying "some day" or "later" to things when you should really be saying "yes, let's do that...now"? I got a phone call yesterday from a dear friend and an email from my sister...both saying "do you want to get together for coffee and crafting tomorrow?" I couldn't help but think of all the things I should be doing instead...laundry, cleaning and de-cluttering, yardwork...the list goes on...and on...and on. You know, it's spring and the cleaning bug is in the air!

But I stopped to think. Does any of that really matter, in the larger scheme of things? That list will always be there. But this opportunity for fellowship with those I love, won't. So I said "Yes, come on over!"

I did what I could, in terms of housework and then I got out my knitting and craft supplies and put on a pot of coffee. Simple.

You know what the amazing thing is? I came away from that afternoon full to the brim with joy, renewed inspiration and ambition. I had been in a "slump" of sorts for the past week or so...so this heart to heart visit with my sister and friend was just what the doctor ordered.

My friends didn't even notice the clean laundry still piled on the back of the couch or the dishes left undone in the sink. My family didn't mind eating dinner a bit later, and I actually was MORE productive with my day rather than less....and I felt better...much more sane.

Living a life of balance can be hard when you are juggling a lot of things...but it is so important. We need to take the time to nurture those relationships with our spouse, children, and friends and not get too caught up in the busyness of our endless "to do" lists.

How many times have I met someone in the grocery store and said "we should get together sometime", but then not followed through? I keep waiting for a day where my housework is caught up, and all my "ducks are in a row". Why do I wait? What is holding me back?

I'll never forget the words from my dad, just weeks before his death..."the only thing that matters, when you get to the end of your life is how much you LOVE and have been LOVED". My dad was a man who loved life and others wholeheartedly. He gave so much of himself to his family and he was the type of person who would always take the time to lend a listening ear, or offer words of advice. He was not stingy with his time.

On the day of his funeral, I was shocked and amazed to see how many people showed up to honour him and his life. There were hundreds and hundreds of people...the large church we belonged to filled to capacity! And so many people stopped me to tell me how much he touched their life...not just touched...but DEEPLY affected. People I had never even seen before.

How do we enter into a life full of purpose? I think it is in saying "YES" to the things that matter. Spending time on each other, rather than on the pursuit of the material.

As a friend of mine said to me the other day...."we need to start living with our hearts and souls, because that is all we are going to take with us when we die".

I need to stop waiting for the perfect day...the day that my house looks like something from a Martha Stewart magazine the day I have cute little desserts all laid out on the counter and fresh cut flowers on every surface...to reach out in friendship. I think I'll have to wait a LONG time for those stars to align. :)

I am more than content with a hot cup of coffee, a knitting project, and a sister and friend who are willing to just be here with me where I am and love me just as I am.

P.S. The image at the top of my post is available for purchase from the Etsy shop sixthandmain