Taking Notice

My life has been seeming quite boring lately. I'm waiting for something really exciting to happen, but then I realize that my life is passing me by while I wait. I could wallow in self pity due to the tragic state of my boring life, but that would be ridiculous and annoying. Though the past few days have been pretty low key, I still have a ton to be thankful for.

Saturday: 

- Due to last minute change of plans, I got to take my brother Jonathan to his first concert. It was an hour and 45 minutes away, and we ended up leaving early because his ears hurt (we all forgot that he has a double ear infection! Oops!), and I didn't even get to hear my favorite songs, but that doesn't even matter because the look of excitement on his face by watching the "rock dude" play his sweet electric guitar made it all worth it, and even more when he said quietly while walking to the car to leave, "Thanks for taking me to the concert, Tiffany."

Sunday:

- My whole family (minus Amara, plus Megan) sat on the sidelines to cheer Jon on for his first soccer "game," in a league created for kids with special needs. It was a beautifully warm day, and Jon was so excited to be out there, in his new cleats, jersey, and sweatband. He may have enjoyed our cheering a little too much, as he started motioning for us to cheer before kicking the ball! 

- I got to spend some time with my grandparents in the afternoon. I helped my grandfather sort his medication and took my grandmother to TJ Maxx (it's a family obsession!), where she blessed me with a few purchases, some needed and some just because. 

Monday:

- I spent some more time with my grandparents, taking my grandfather to a doctors appointment at the Veterans building. While waiting in the lobby with disabled vets, I was reminded of the reality that some men and woman live in. I have faces to go along with the text books and news stories. Sitting there alongside these people always makes me wonder what their lives have been like, what their experience with war has been like, and I am reminded of their sacrifice for my sake. I also remember how precious my time with my grandfather is. 

- I actually went to a high school soccer game. It clearly wasn't my idea, but I went along to spend time with my sister. It ended up being surprisingly fun. And my competitiveness snuck out a few times, which may or may not contribute to the reasons why I don't play sports. There is a very good chance that one day I'll be one of those parents in the bleachers who get in fights with other parents. 

- Though it seems like an eternity to arrive at a dance studio 45 minutes early to pick up my baby sister from class with my mom, the time passed quickly and I enjoyed watching her dance though the creeper double-sided mirror. I didn't want to get there that early, and I was antsy to leave, but I am proud of how far she's come as a dancer. 

Tuesday:

- I turned a new leave as far as cleaning is concerned. I have never enjoyed the chore, and never thought I ever would. That is, until we bought a Swiffer Vac. I tried it for the first time this morning, and you'd never imagine how freeing a cordless vacuum is! I just kept going and going until the whole house was Swiffered! Who would've thought??

- I took Jake to visit our grandparents this afternoon. We sat on their front porch and he took turns reading his ABC book to Nan and Pop, while I worked on Pop's cross word puzzle. I'm terrible at those things. We ate grilled cheese for lunch and then I tucked him in for a nap. While he was sleeping, Nan and I watched a movie, which ended just before Jake woke up. Then we took a walk to our aunt and uncles house to play with their dog, Penny. I didn't mind carrying Jake back, because I love when he lays his head on my shoulder and wraps his arms and legs around me, which he did several times. 

- I finally remembered that it was Tuesday and Tuesday is Bible study, and I went to it. I wasn't feeling quite up to it, to be perfectly honest, because it is out of my comfort zone and I desperately don't like leaving that zone. But the people were friendly and the teaching was sound, so all in all it was a good thing. Plus I got to watch Madea's Family Reunion afterwards at Megan's house, which is always a good time! 

So, my days aren't filled with earth-shattering excitement. Rather, it's the daily happenings of life, that all too often I let slip by, unnoticed. I need to live in the present, savoring every moment, because this is my life, whether I like it or not, and pretty soon I'll be old and wrinkly, wondering where the heck the time went. I have a book on my shelf next to my bed called "Don't Waste Your Life." I've only gotten through the first chapter. I'm afraid I'll waste time by reading it. 

Until something really spectacular happens, I hope that I keep remembering to take notice of the little things that make up each day. We never know when or how God chooses to speak to us or bless us, and I sure don't want to miss out on any of it by waiting my life away for something bigger or more exciting to happen.