The Amazing Ordinary

"Dada, it seems so SLOW now!"

"What would you do if it were your last day on earth?"

The first sentence was stated by my oldest daughter on our last day at Disneyland after exiting Big Thunder Mountain Railroad; a ride that 24 hours earlier had probably been the most thrilling experience of her 10 years spent on this earth. Why? Well, in between she had ridden the Incredicoaster - Just like that, the trill of BTMR was greatly diminished. It was another small "snapshot" of one of life's sad truths: We always want something bigger, better, more thrilling; and once we get it, the things we used to find enjoyment in are no longer adequate.

The second sentence has been asked in books, songs, movies, and interviews countless times. I don't remember exactly when, but at some point I had the thought that, while I understand the sentiment of 'wasting your life' never having done all manner of extreme, death-defying deeds of the sort that look great posted on social media - How tragic is it to die without enjoying or realizing the simple, yet incredible things we take for granted every day?

What would you do if it were the FIRST day of your current life? To wake up for the first time, in this life that you now have, but without the past experiences that have jaded you to all of its blessings?

I liken it to is the feeling I have felt in those times where I have been really sick (Like bedridden sick) for a few days; and woken up a few days later to realize that I had recovered. Man, in that moment - Life is good!