When’s the last time you stepped out into the yard and gazed at the nighttime sky, taking in the beauty of the stars and planets? When’s the last time you took a walk through the woods, carefully studying a beautiful red fall leaf as it released itself from a tree and floated to the ground?

When’s the last time you were fully present in life? Whether it was patting your dog, holding your child’s hand, or sitting alone in a room contemplating the meaning of your life.

When’s the last time?

In the last few moments of our life on earth, as we draw our final breaths and contemplate our next journey, will it be important that we

• voted for the candidate that attacked the person we hated
• never missed an episode of our favorite homicide TV program 
• got the last word in during the argument with mom

  Or will it be more important - more meaningful - that we

• allowed ourselves to be amazed at the deep darkness of the nighttime sky and the twinkling of a distant star
• gazed in wonder at the magic and beauty of a firefly as it lit up its little corner of the world
• discovered and pursued our purpose for being on this planet

Time on earth is finite. Moments are precious. And opportunities for creativity, abundance, and kindness are endless. If we allow ourselves to be present for them.

Carpe Diem!