Living Rarefied

A few months ago, I wrote about an encounter with my buddy Owen… I guess it was 4 months ago.

Monday night I had a wonderful surprise and got to see him again. In 4 months, I think he grew 4 inches, but his spirit was the same old simple Owen. He's in the middle of basketball camp right now. 4 hours a day for each day this week. I am a little scared because as a 6 year old, his basketball handling skills are past mine!

His focus this week is basketball camp. He starts the 1st grade in 2 weeks, thats a pretty big step. Going to full days of school, new kids, new teachers, new building… But Owen's focus is on basketball camp…

I have a lot going on ahead of me, Young Life begins again, some big projects at work are ahead of me, some fun vacations, my older sister is moving home. A bunch to look forward to and be anxious about, but I am trying my best to stay in the present and love the best I can right now, share experiences with people now, grow friendships now. I don't want to miss the "now"… My biggest fear is looking down the road too far ahead and missing the exciting things happening around me right now.

A few people I have been increasing time and intentionallity with are helping me stay in the now. We all do chat a little about our passions and dreams, but really focusing on the history part and what makes each of us, and how we got to where we are, is really helping me stay in the present.

I like this picture I found. It struck a chord with my thoughts today… This little ducky is only focused on the fly it is reaching for. He isn't worried about if there is another predator looking for him, whether he will get his dry head wet when he comes down, whether he will remember how to swim when he comes down. He is focused on the fly. Thats how I want to be focused; on the present, on things that are right in front of me… Not looking past the events and people of right now.

Ethan testing