by Nancy Horton

Created on: February 13, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

We often times get caught up with daily routines, responsibilities, and concerns which come our way. And of course these things need our attention as well; however, it goes back to that all too famous word..."balance" that we find myself lacking every once in a while. And when lack of balance is an issue, we find ourselves missing out on too much of life's wonders, joy, love, and miracles. Uncertainty is truly a part of our every day living, and includes all that we encounter... even our last breath. But why do we put ourselves in the position of dread, constantly worrying about what we don't have or what we might lose? All the while, over looking what we do have this very moment, and therefore not truly appreciating the many blessings we have been given? Why is it that we live our lives each day concerned about that which will always be uncertain? Hurry to tomorrow, only to hurry again, and again each day. Continuously living on edge for what don't don't have yet, or can't do anything about right this moment.

I knew a recovering alcoholic once who told me a story about himself. He said that back when he was drinking he didn't take note to his children and their needs, let alone the love they had to offer him. He said that about a year or so after he got sober he saw his kids for the first time. By then they were teens. He said that he pulled up in the drive way, and before he could get to the door, his kids came running out of the house. He met them in the middle of the yard as they were running out toward him. He said that his son reached him first; and being grown and buff, he picked his father up in his arms and swung him around and around in the yard. He realized then just how much he had missed all of those previous years, and yet....how lucky he was to be sober and in the moment. And be truly fulfilled with the beauty of his son's reaction to his presence, and the love he still has to offer him. A very bitter-sweet story about a father and son moment, and the lesson one man learned about appreciating his children, and life.

There is the old saying "the grass is greener on the other side". And when that happens we find ourselves not living the best of each moment. And that is when the beauty around us continues...but passes us by. And in fact if we take just a few moments of our our day to take note to the beauty around us, we just might find that our side of the fence is beautiful. Though there is much turmoil in the world today, there is always an abundance of joy, love, happiness which always out weighs any negative. And no matter how heavy our hearts may weigh on specific events, there is always a part of us that is always at peace deep down. And there is always a part of us that wants that peace; the spiritual part of our soul which continues to try to break free from the limitations which cause this lack of balance in life.

Life's beauty will always be there for us to consume, but we must allow it to touch us...to nurture us....and to bless us. By maintaining that inner peace, having gratitude, and acknowledging the beauty around us, we will find ourselves living, breathing, thinking, feeling, receiving, and giving to others the "best of ourselves"; and then, and only then, is when you will find yourself living complete, at peace, and making the best of each moment in your life. Enjoy life as it comes to you. Accept the blessings of today, and look forward to the future with a positive out-look on life. Be who you long to be "today" with what you have sitting in front of you. And embrace every one of those blessings, because it is where you are at this very moment that will make you a better person tomorrow.

Learn more about this author, Nancy Horton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.