Occasionally someone will ask me, “If you were starting over, what would you do differently?”

The best answer is, “I would do many things differently!”

I might rethink some college pranks. I would have had a different response to the police officer who pulled me over for not coming to a complete stop. I would not dare a teammate on my college baseball team to jump from the ferry that was crossing the Tennessee River (he did not drown, by the way, but it was close).

However, the one thing that does stand out the most to me is this: I would appreciate the now. Live in the moment. Celebrate the little things. In other words, take time to “smell the roses.”

Too often I was focused on all the things I had to do. Or I was dwelling on my problems or difficulties. Or I was worrying. Or I was thinking about the near future—my upcoming day off, my next vacation, what it would be like when I didn’t have to strap the kids in the car seat anymore.

Looking back now, I realize that I needed to celebrate more, enjoy what gift of life God had given me on that day, appreciate the little things, and find joy in the moment, regardless of my circumstances.

An old, wise man (Solomon) once said, “Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life” (Ecclesiastes 5:18, NLT).

Whatever it takes,

Jerry