Reflections

The old adage “Hindsight is 20/20” has found its way into lines on the big screen,  made appearances as lyrics in songs, and undoubtedly been used in more than  one “should’ve, could’ve, would’ve” conversation between parents and teenagers.  It is indeed true that once a few sunrises and sunsets put a little time between us and an event of life, the picture becomes more clear and the dots seem to connect a little easier. I’ve been doing quite a bit of reflecting here lately, and those reflections are causing me to see things that I didn’t previously see…

I’m at a stage of life right now where I’m not still as young as my mind feels, but I’m not yet as old as my kids think I am! I’ve been around long enough to have learned a lot by way of experience, but not so long that I’ve arrived and now know it all. Those family members and friends that I viewed as super-hero strong when I was a younger version of me are now showing the signs that they are mortal after all. As I reflect on the times I spent with them and the times I wish I had spent with them, I am simultaneously grateful for the knowledge and wisdom that they passed on to me and regretful that I didn’t have the knowledge and wisdom as a young whipper-snapper to soak up even more of what they had to offer. I reckon hindsight is 20/20…

At the same time this is transpiring, my own children are growing up, working, going to college, marrying and having families of their own, and my youngest is set on entering the military after next year’s high school graduation. Concerning these realities of life, someone recently asked me, “Where does the time go?” My response was, “I’m not sure, but wherever it goes, it goes quickly!” Images of my children as toddlers and elementary kids dance through my head often much like the visions of sugarplums did in the heads of the children in “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Reflecting upon their perpetual movement through their still-young lives, I wonder if I said enough, taught enough, demonstrated enough of all that needed to be shared, and at the same time, I’m hoping they soaked some of it up along the way.  I pray they have…

The picture atop this writing was taken one morning while having a short therapy session in my boat with a fishing pole in my hand…(it’s amazing how a little solitude and serenity can help you reflect on things!) and as I looked at the literal reflection on the water, I was compelled to mentally reflect upon the many times my dad or one of my uncles had me on the river or lake as the sun came up, and the wonderful memories I have and lessons learned from those experiences. I was made very aware that there are only a certain amount of sunrises and sunsets allotted to each of us, and according to Psalm 139, only the Lord knows how many that number is. I was reminded of James’ assessment of life when he said, “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14). As I get older, I am so much more aware of that reality. Hindsight is 20/20…

I suppose we all have opportunities to be more aware of the quickly fleeting nature of time and pour ourselves into others while soaking in what others have to offer as well. No matter the setting – whether on the water or in the woods like my dad did with me, or in the most big city setting imaginable – let us be mindful of how we use the time God gives us. With this in mind, on some wooded trail or twisting bayou on down the road of life, reflecting on all the days that make up this thing we call life, I’ll see you in the Great Outdoors!