The rapture, among other things.

I think we all heard the prediction of the apocalypse that was to occur today. People flocked to California to be with the man who predicted May 21st to be the day of the rapture. Individuals emptied their bank accounts, sold their houses, quit their jobs, and rushed to do things they always wanted to do before the time came. This completely blows my mind. Many would agree with me, but I'm not sure our minds are blown for the same reason.

If there were a way to "predict the end of the world", would you be living the last days of your life any differently? If the answer is yes, which is apparently the case for many individuals, maybe you should evaluate a few things. Shouldn't we live everyday to its full capacity, regardless if it's the first or last? Stop everything and really think about it. If you knew the world was going to end tomorrow, what would you be doing today? Why aren't you doing that anyway?

My daddy came down today. We spent the afternoon discussing flounder gigging, Alison Krauss, and fond childhood memories. My dad works terrible hours, and often times he works and works and works and finds no pleasure in what he's doing. I fear his work doesn't fill his gas tank; it only empties it. However, he does what he does to provide for his family. Daddy was raised on our family farm in Jacksonville, NC. He worked on the farm as instructed by my granddaddy, and I get the impression he was more than ready to leave the life of manual labor when the time came to graduate high school. He was ready to move on to bigger and better things. He received the Morehead, and away he went to a completely different life in Chapel Hill. He's traveled the world and had a multitude of life experiences. However, I find it funny that all my dad really wants to do is come back home. He made a comment about how wonderful the day had been for him. He rode with the top down, blasting a new mixed tape he put together. He visited friends he hadn't seen in a while, walked on the beach, and cooked for people he loved the most. I wish he could do those things all day every day. I know he does, too. I can only hope my daddy makes the most of the free time he has, as minuscule as it may be. (I've also learned the importance of finding something you love and turning it into a career... but that's a different blog for a different day.)

Truth be told, we will never be able to predict which moment will be our last. The rapture could occur tomorrow morning or I could die on the way home tonight. I have no way of measuring the amount of time that will be given to me, so I can only take advantage of every second I am given, and make the very most of it. Find something you love doing and take time to do it every day. Surround yourself with people you love. Relish even the smallest treasures in life. Spend less time thinking about the bad and marinate in the good.

Speaking of small treasures, the little guys in the frying pan were among steaks, salads, and baked potatoes. I am admittedly a woman who loves food, and I ate well tonight. However, I think I enjoyed digesting the dinner table conversation even more. People, food, and conversation... my favorite combination.

On a completely different note, everyone reading this should read "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencion. I am thoroughly enjoying it, and even if you aren't one to intentionally study leadership or team building principles... It's worth a glance :)