Today I Felt Indebted

April 15, 2009

“If you don’t think every day is a good day, just try missing one.”
~Cavett Robert

2787499964_4feaf741c5Today will one day gild my memory in bold type, sprinkled as it was with moments of gratitude, justifying our family’s direction, rewarded our patience and promised to pull us toward a truly awesome mañana.

There was no singular bolt of lightning to pierce our sky, the day instead flocked with flashes and rays. It is spring break for the children and the loss of shuffling through hours of our day is not one I will spare a minute to mourn. My non working moments over the last three days have been instead spent on adventures; playing with Max and Mia while making eyes at Cindy.

Even amid all the helter skelter, our lives are often filled with such moments; even the worst of days can burn with brilliance if you take the time to gaze, at least with a passing glance, at a bit of what is both above and below you. Yesterday was one of those where those moments seemed to arrive in multiplicity and then arrange themselves with the wonder of a constellation.

I’ve been climbing toward a peak for some time now, and can smell the air at the top as it gently slaps the side of my face, but that doesn’t mean the climb hasn’t at times been like ascending the side of a chalkboard landscape with two handfuls of nails. Cindy and I have laid claim to high risk this past half year; a small part of the fair purchase price for promise. Climbing that mountain, today we arrived at an aperture in the side; an asylum from the altitude where the air was crisp and even the colors of our simple stew seemed to stand bold against the white of unfiltered sky.

The day itself was odd, with rolling waves of thunder punctuating the wind from midday sun to nighttime moon. Threatening rain, the sky hung pregnant but never delivered moisture or menace. Behind the ugly gray, our interior was cerulean. Taxes were paid, and thanks to our accountant Cindy and I sent every cent due, but not a nickle more. The in-box at Ghostwriter Dad wore a grin for most of the day as pleasant, appreciative people paid and praised my delivered work. The Collective Inkwell launch has been a long time coming and outstanding once here, and I love the contest David Wright and I cooked up together. It promises to be fun for the two of us and our readers alike.

Life is a constant climb, the amount of steps we choose to ascend is up to us as individuals. I want to spend my years in motion, covering as much distance as I can before before my mind will finally move me no further. Some of those steps will be difficult and I’ll feel the weight of iron chains shackling every forward inch. Other steps will see me gliding forward with the ease of a man waltzing across lunar soil.

It is impossible to fully appreciate one without sinking deep into the other. I am grateful for every struggle, for it is only the scuffles, mental or otherwise, that train me to think smarter or faster or at least more in tune with the best way forward. It is only the difficulties that allow my children to see me earning answers to the same lessons I must never forget to teach them.

I’m a writer and so appreciate the trials.  Today, surrounded by my family and momentum,  I felt indebted.

Writer Dad

The contest I mentioned earlier is awesome. Dave and I are giving away the premium WordPress theme Thesis, along with a custom header (and that’s just for starters). If there’s a writer inside you (and that means everyone!) then head to the Inkwell, read the contest details, and drop your entry.

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  • Laurie: I will continue to breathe deep. Missing the moments isn't in my MO. I love the new picture by the way, you have a wonderful smile.

    Vered: If I don't take the time, than what on Earth am I doing it all for?

    GreenJello: Cliches get there for a reason, right? It's so true... the things that have caused me pain have made me stronger every one.

    Nathan: My absolute pleasure, Nathan. It's nice to know you.
  • Great story, thanks for sharing :)

    You've got a way with words.
  • There is much truth to the flippant, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger". Struggles and trials in our life help us to appreciate the good times all the more. And the older I get, the more I cherish the quiet moments that surface amidst the storms of life.
  • It's wonderful that you are so appreciative of the journey and of your accomplishments.
  • Laurie
    While the view up on top of the mountain is oh so sweet, the journey to get there is a wondrous adventure. We are transformed both from the pain and pleasure of the journey and the struggle to get to the top makes the view that much more breathtaking! Breathe deep Sean!!!
  • Dave: It was the best, really. Thanks for being a part of it.

    Marc: Shucks, Marc. Thanks!

    Eric: Totally not what I planned. Today was supposed to be a link roundup, but that was NOT how I felt last night with my fingers on the key.

    280: Always, and with one eye kept on the horizon.
  • Make sure you all enjoy that wonderful view during your climb!
  • I totally know what you mean. Our blessings often come in bits and pieces and it's wonderful when see the results of this. Our eyes become open and we glance around and think, "What a wonderful life I live and what wonderful people I get to enjoy it with."

    You summed up appreciation beautifully, Sean. Eric
  • Long may you and your family stand on that mountain my friend.
  • A good day, indeed, my friend! A good day, indeed.
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