Take Time to Attend the Little Things

Friday I was out at the quilt shop and was ready for a nice, hot pastrami sandwich. Holiday makes one that's pretty tasty and I'm embarrassed to report that I've ordered several now so they know exactly how I like it! Extra pastrami and light on the mayo. Oh, and it has to be hot. Yum .

Well, on the way over to the store (right next door) I noticed a beautiful, large monarch butterfly flitting around the grass. It didn't seem startled when I walked by and I stopped to watch it for a minute. It really was beautiful. There was a small puddle of clean water on the sidewalk by the edge of the grass from the sprinklers that morning.  The butterfly landed ever so lightly on the water and sipped quickly. Then it (I do not know if it was a male or female!) took a quick spin around again and landed for another quick drink. The sun was just catching its wings. It did this three or four more times before flying right around me and away. I might have imagined that it was acknowledging me!

I was reminded of our trip to Turtle Bay with Lilly and Cal to see the butterflies. Evidently, I had forgotten my grade school lesson on the life of a butterfly because the nature guide mentioned that  butterflies only live about two weeks. Two weeks. That's not very long.

So, what's the lesson here. I thought about how that beautiful butterfly took time out to do important things like get a drink of water. Would it make a difference in how long it lived? I don't know. But I do know that it's paramount to my well being that I strive to take time to do the important things - even the little things. At 55, those have changed somewhat from what I thought was important 20 years ago. I think that's the way it's supposed to be.

What are the important things? For me at this point in my life they include using my talents for service, gospel learning, staying close to family and friends and taking care of Mike. It's not money (although I do admit, a bit more of the greenies would be nice!), and it's not a career. I love teaching at the college and I enjoy my gig at the quilt shop. I enjoy this phase of my life because I've learned to be selective about how I spend my time and energy. It's a very nice feeling.

I was sad as that little butterfly flew away. I started to wonder where it was  in its two week life span. We are all somewhere in our own life span and whether I'm here for another week, month or years, I hope I can attend to the things that truly make a difference.

I'm going to get a drink of water and then send out a few note cards to some good friends. A little thing, but important.