Sometimes the next time never comes.
I wish someone had taught me that. Instead, I had to figure it out the hard way. Like everyone who has ever lived, I have had many, many last times that I never saw coming. This has become increasingly apparent to me as my son grows older and I reminisce with long-time friends and colleagues about great times that have long since passed.
That is why today is a good time to remind us that our opportunity as parents, teachers, and leaders to impact the lives of children is upon us now, in the present. Yes, I know. We convince ourselves that our best days are ahead and that we can (and will) solve this problem or that one tomorrow. We are certain that there will be a next book to read or conference to attend, or yet another graduation ceremony, or yet another dance. And then there isn’t.
Your best chance to do the thing might be today
As I ponder opportunities in my life that have been won and lost, I must admit that I don’t remember the last time (and final time) that I played catch with my dad, or rolled my eyes as he retold his jokes. I don’t remember the last time I sat alone and breathed in a great sunset, or skipped a stone across a pond, or sat upon a hillside and numbered the stars. I don’t recall the last time I savored the final, few pages of a great novel, or jumped off a diving board, showing off for some girl. Or the last time I stared upon a campfire among the laughter of close friends, or captured fireflies within the darkness of the night.
I always thought I would have another turn at Monopoly with my son, or one more field trip with his classmates. It is hard for me to recall the last student I spoke with to help them through the day, to give them advice on school or parents or dating, to inspire a few words of hope when they were beginning to lose faith in their futures. I have to admit that I have a hard time replaying the last time I rode a Ferris Wheel, nervously waving down at my friends below. I don’t recall the last time I was scared of the dark or fretted over a test. I really wish I remember that last snowman I made for I am certain it was the best one ever, or the last time I asked a girl to dance for I am certain that she said yes. I know for sure that I got a few big hits as a Little League baseball player and drained the winning shot in a few pick-up basketball games, though I have to say that I don’t recall the last time I did so. I only wish I could tell you the last time I played jump-rope or hop-scotch or bravely challenged my brother to a pillow fight. Come to think of it, I might have fought harder had I known it was my last time.
Your last chance won’t last so make the most of it
I do not remember these things and many others probably because I am too focused on today’s things. So I sit here with my laptop and this morning’s cup of coffee and I wonder if today will bring yet another “last time” for me, and I am encouraged to make the most of it. So whatever role you play, play it well. Lead with passion, courage, and conviction, as if today is your last chance to do so. Offer up an idea that you have been wondering about for some time. Write a thank-you note to those who have inspired you or an apology to those you have offended. Teach a young person something they will never forget. Pat someone on the back. Make today about someone else.
Give every child or colleague you encounter something that will make their day a special one, and your day a memorable one. And later, when no one is around, sneak away and draw something on the sidewalk in chalk or lay upon the grass and make shapes among the clouds. Or just go outside and spit. And do these things as if today was your last chance to do so, because it just might be.
