The Weight of Time and the Gift of Presence

As the years go by, life has a way of surprising us with changes we never quite feel ready for. Children grow up and leave the nest, and suddenly the house that once buzzed with energy feels quieter. Babies turn into young adults towering over us, parents age before our eyes (and while we’re lucky to still have them, it’s not always easy to witness), and our own bodies shift in ways that remind us that time is moving forward, whether we want it to or not.

And then there’s the heartache of missing people we’ve lost. For me, it’s my Grandpa — my guide, my steady hand, my biggest encourager. He’s been gone for more than ten years, but I still feel him with me. Reflection creeps in at unexpected moments, and it can be overwhelming at times

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Don’t get me wrong — age also comes with experience, wisdom, and perspective. But there are nights when I lie awake asking myself: How did my kids grow up so fast? How did my marriage unravel? Why have some relationships become closer while others drifted away? Why am I single at this stage, still longing for that deep human connection?

It can be a lot to hold.

And yet, in the middle of the questions and the ache, I keep reminding myself to come back to the present. To breathe. To notice this day, this hour, this minute. Because no matter how much I reflect on the past or worry about the future, the only place I can truly live is here, right now.

Some days I do this well. Other days, I stumble. But maybe that’s the point is to keep trying. To keep showing up in the moment with whatever it brings.

So, today, I’m asking myself and you: how do you feel in this moment?

Because maybe that’s the only question that really matters.

If you’ve had similar reflections, I’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, memories, or simply where you are right now. You’re not alone in this journey — we’re all finding our way, one moment at a time.

xoxo

Erin