After taking an intentional 14-day spring break from my life’s routines and social media, I reflect on many extreme highs and lows. I summarize the past two weeks time in four words, “This, too, shall pass.”
My two-week recap:
My parents arriving to Festus, Missouri from Wisconsin. Witnessing precious bonding between my parents and children.
Savoring a sweet and positive conversation with my 91-year-old grandma, realizing one is never too old to cherish a grandparent.
Beautiful birthday greetings, cards and unthinkable surprises.
…this, too, all passed.
Never-ending checklists, phone calls and emails to prepare coworkers and family to be out of the country.
A three hour wait in the customs line, in a hot airport.
Torrential rain and powerful storms in paradise.
…this, too, all passed.
Interesting conversations with fascinating people from around the world.
Walking hand in hand on the beach, as our feet were both warmed by the hot sand and cooled by the constant ocean waves.
Perfectly prepared 5-course meals with prompt, friendly service and unlimited rum punch.
…this, too, all passed.
No hot water and just an itty-bitty bit of water pressure to take a shower.
Unlimited rum punch (also as a negative…haha)
One child taken to urgent care for x-rays for a strained arm muscle, followed by another child taken to urgent care for x-rays and a broken toe, the next day.
…this, too, all passed.
Peaceful naps on the beach with the sound of serene waves always present.
Following lively schools of iridescent fish and discovering a camouflaged puffer fish amidst lilac-colored coral reefs while snorkeling.
Romantically slow dancing to live music.
…this, too, all passed.
Delayed flights, unsettling plane maintenance and scary plane turbulence.
Violent stomach bug and fevers hitting our entire family. Oh, and pink eye.
Returning to work with 213 emails.
…this, too, all passed.
3 AM alarm for my daughter’s first dance competition.
Her nervous energy and tears, followed by her excitement and pride to be on stage and earn awards and a trophy.
The feeling of satisfaction and joy when all that hard work is recognized.
…this, too, all passed.
Time marches on, through the highlights and the lowlights of each day.
So much of life’s bittersweet events are summed up by these 4 words:
“This, too, shall pass.”
So, if you are in a chapter of time when things are amazing, I hope you take time to honor and relish in the good, aware of how quickly it will be gone. And, if you are in a chapter of time when things are less-than-stellar, I wish you comfort and hope in the truth of these words. This discomfort will not last forever.
