On the Last Day of the Year

The gift of life was not given to us lightly. Only a few days ago I told a group of people that every day was important. And I told them that what we did in those God-given days was important as well. And so...today is the very last day of the year. I worked, I shopped, I worked some more. I drank coffee, ate supper, walked the dog, and thought about all I have to do between now and Sunday afternoon. Perhaps I didn't do anything important, still, I wanted to some how pay attention to this day, to be IN the day, to be present to my surroundings - and how I felt about and lived in this day. And because every day is important, and for some reason the very last day of 2014 seemed important to me, I also did these things: I noticed that even on New Year's Eve people shop at WalMart. I noticed that most of those shoppers (like me) didn't seem to have any particular plans for the 'big night.' They were in blue jeans and t-shirts, corralling over-excited children, buying -not oysters or little rye breads, but milk and pop-tarts and light bulbs. I noticed that the person in front of me at WalMart didn't have enough money to pay her bill and had to leave some things at the check-out counter. I noticed that the person in front of me at the Dollar Store didn't have enough money to pay her bill either, and was searching for change in pockets and purse, in her coat and even asked the person behind her for a few more coins. I noticed a tired looking mom sitting in a car that wouldn't start, and a beat up ol' pick up truck trying without luck to jump her battery. I noticed that all of sudden people look tired, and unkempt, a little gray and worn about the edges,overworked and somewhat at a loss as to how they will make the bills. I noticed that despite these things, the sun came out into a cold blue sky and on the other side of the road the moon - about a 3/4 moon - appeared extra bright -again in a cold blue late afternoon sky. And oh yes, I definitely noticed that it was a cold day - quite a cold day. I noticed I was in a pretty good mood - even with a miserable cold - and even though I am spending this New Year's Eve night quietly alone. I noticed that even though I have much to do in the next 5 days - I obstinately and decidedly - took breaks. And even so I think I will be able to get it all done and right on time. I noticed today.