Mindful of a New Moment to Be Lived

Over this past weekend, we visited the graves. Like in past years, the flowers were planted, the past was remembered, and some tears were shed. Unlike past years, people were notably missing. Rather than having reams of loved ones joining us, only Craig and I took the journey. As we entered the cemetery, I felt time shift. The playground that used to be filled with my young children and extended family was empty. Balls, toys, and noise didn’t spill out of the van and into the graveyard. As I looked into these spaces, I saw everything as it once was and then it disappeared before my eyes. We drove by the playground, and I regret not entering it. Perhaps, I would have seen it all the way it once was, for just a little bit longer, before it all slipped away.  

Craig and I found the stones, scrubbed them clean, cleared the grass away, and planted. We were in the moment. In years to come, this moment will be the time that slips away before my eyes and a new moment to be lived will present itself. Maybe that playground will get filled with my grandchildren in some future moment? That also will be a moment to be lived.  

Today, I am mindful of the present moment. While different and bittersweet, it brings good things for me to celebrate. I paint what was, what is, and what will be. I try to be aware of it all. Join me in noticing what yesterday, today, and tomorrow brings. Capture it in the way that helps you in this new moment to be lived. As for me, I will paint it. 

This painting, titled "Planting," captures yesterday and notices how today has new moments to be lived.