Living vs. Being Alive

I was checking email this morning and the subject line of one caught my eye. 
"Living vs. Being Alive". 
It wasn't from someone I knew, it wasn't even a devotion - it was just an ad.

The truth is, we choose every moment of every day to truly live or just simply exist or perhaps what is the worst of all, to be so distracted by whatever current drama or difficulty we are in the middle of, that we miss what is most important. This morning, for me, it was hot chocolate and my husband's wallet.

I had a list of a million things that had to be done, no, that NEEDED to be done.  The regular morning routine just seemed to be getting in the way.  My husband and I were trying to carve out a few quiet moments before the mayhem began.  My daughter was very concerned about our tradition of a hot drink and snuggling on the couch while watching one of her shows.  I was concerned about getting dressed, making breakfast and getting school done by hook or by crook so I could work on my list inbetween school, playdates and appointments. My husband was trying to get out the door for what was guaranteed to be an extremely long day.  (At the time of this writing, it is nearly midnight and he is still not home.) He got out the door and we waved him off with three cheers for Daddy.  I looked at His smile and her sweet, lovely, loving little face and thought, "Ooooo, I almost missed this."  I gave her a smile and a smooch and we walked back to the kitchen to make her hot drink of choice.  Just a few minutes later, I saw my husband's wallet on the couch.  (Where he had left it last night.)  We called Daddy on the video phone to let him know.  I was prepared to drive it to him, but he was headed back.  We sat on the shoe bench in the entry way, snuggling, drinking hot chocolate with our shoes on, ready to bring Daddy's wallet to him. In just a few moments, his car came around the corner and we walked out in the morning cold and sprinkles to give the wallet to him.  We were both wearing pink and smiled at him.  I said we matched.  He said we looked good together.

Showing love through loving actions,

showing love through giving undivided attention,

showing love through awareness of another's concerns -

These things are much more important than any "to do" list. 

So, the day started out right after all.  My husband and I actually had some time together, he got his wallet, my daughter had her snuggle time with Mommy and hot chocolate.  (Hey, she's a girl and loves her chocolate!)

Did I finish my list? No, of course not! 

I did get quite a bit of it done, but more importantly I chose today to not just be alive, but to live.  I chose to savor the sweetness of the moments amid all the chaos. I chose to love those around me and wouldn't trade it for anything.

Everyday, I pray "Thank You, God for my life.  Thank You for my Husband.  Thank You for my sparkling Daughter.  Thank You in advance for Your plans and direction for us.  Thank You for the path ahead.  Thank You that we are not alone and we walk together with You."   

Amen.