Cup of Inspiration

Twenty-two years ago today, Sept 11, began like an ordinary day. The sun was out, the sky was blue. People hurriedly packed their lunches and got their children ready for school. Workers rushed to the office, perhaps grabbing a quick cup of coffee on the go. They didn’t have time to sit and enjoy it, because they had to be in the office for a meeting, to get a report done, to make a deadline. Families didn’t realize that that morning would be the last time they saw their loved ones go out the door. Friends didn’t realize that those weekend plans they had made would never happen. People didn’t realize that all the plans they had made for retirement, to see their children go off to college, to buy that dream house, would suddenly disappear.

The events of that day seem like a lifetime ago. There is a generation who weren’t even born then. Life gets busy. While we will have moments of silence today to reflect on that morning, we will still have meetings to attend, reports to complete, goals to accomplish. Life does go on. However, don’t let the lessons from that day move on too.

What if you knew that today was your last day on earth? What if you knew that this morning would be the last time you would see your child off to school, the last time you bid goodbye to your spouse, the last time you drove to work? Would you do or say anything different? Would there be anything you would make sure was said, or make sure was not said? How concerned would you be about the size of your bank account, or whether you would get that promotion at work?

We do need to plan. We should try to build up our retirement accounts and set aside money for a rainy day. It’s okay to dream of where you would like to go in your career, and daydream about that dream house where you’d like to enjoy time with your family. However, don’t let your plans take you away from your loved ones in the present. Don’t let your goals rob you of your joy today.

As you go about your day, remember to appreciate what you have. Think about how you would want others to remember you if you were suddenly gone. Would you really want to be remembered for how fast you were able to complete work projects, or would you rather be remembered for being a good listener when a friend needed a shoulder to cry on? Would you want to be remembered for how much money you made, or would you rather be remembered as that father or mother who listened to their child when they were scared of the dark? Would you want your coworkers to remember you as a demanding boss, or as a leader who encouraged them to do their best?

Each morning, before rushing out the door, make sure you take that extra minute to wish your loved ones goodbye. When you get that coffee with a friend, perhaps take a few minutes and sit down to enjoy it before heading into the office. When you go into the office, take the extra minute to wish your coworkers a good morning before diving into that next report. Later in the day, take a moment to enjoy the sunset and be thankful to have had another day with family and friends. Plan for the future but live in the present.