Packing up

While Nancy was busy entertaining beach-goers with her fitness (?) routine, Becky was getting her exercise in by helping move college students. Yeah, I know, hauling boxes and furniture isn't quite the same as swimming with the dolphins, but some of us just live right.  Last Saturday it was a move to Milwaukee, complete with U-Haul and a seemingly endless supply of stuff.  Yesterday it was IU, not so many boxes, but a lot of supplies to secure.

I must say both trips gave me something to think about.  I watched these two college students. They truly could barely contain their excitement about what the future held in store for them.  They were optimistic about all the possibilities and enthusiastic about the choices they would be making.  The boxes were filled with who they were, what they held important, as well as what they deemed crucial to their survival.  (Here I could point out the contrast in supplies: When I headed off to college I was so thrilled to be taking my brand new electric typewriter and an AM/FM clock radio.  Now there are  42"flat screens and laptop computers.) Regardless of progress in technology, it  represented where they had come from and where they hoped to go.  What a feeling it must be to know that your whole life is stretched out there in front of you!

  I envied them, their enthusiasm, the paths they had chosen, all they still had to experience.

Then I looked at where I was in life's journey, what I would pack up in the boxes I deemed crucial.  Definitely most of the road was behind me; my paths were considerably more limited and limiting.  Many of the things I viewed as important would not fit in boxes.  Excitement about tomorrow?  Yeah.  Not the college days kind, but the kind that comes from just being glad you almost finished the Sunday crossword puzzle while sipping good strong coffee. Optimistic? You bet.  With age comes a peace with who you are, and a better understanding of what you want.  Today's great.  After church I am going for a swim, then lifting, then doing a Cycle class.  After that I will brave the grocery store.  You bet I'm optimistic.  Enthusiasm?  I've got it.  Most of the time.  Life should be greeted with enthusiasm on a daily basis.  Enthusiasm isn't just for beginners.

As for the boxes I would pack--maybe not so many boxes.  Instead I would strive to maintain strong connections with family and friends.  I would savor moments with nature, loud guffaws of pleasure and quiet times of reflection.  I may not be embarking on another year of campus life, but I am still very much on this adventure called life.