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I was only 44 years old when the cicadas were here last time. I remember saying to myself, “Wow! I will be 59 when they return again! Will I even be alive.” I don’t mean to sound morbid, but I know I’m closer to death, than life. It doesn’t scare me. It makes me realize how important life is and to not take it for granted. Life is terribly short. I just want to live for every moment and appreciate each day I am blessed to wake up.
I realized these annoying creatures were gone when I walked outside this week and noticed there was no sound of them. Every day for the past few months, they sounded like an orchestra of noisy crickets singing. And strangely, I was never weary of the sound, I was actually grateful that I was alive to have even heard them. And then, suddenly, the noisy orchestra sound was completely silent.
Take time to appreciate the little things. The cicadas were scary, abrasive, bothersome, and some people thought they were even ugly. Frankly, I’m afraid of all bugs. I saw scary videos on social media where these cretures were surrounding people’s cars and homes in the hundreds! But being that these bugs only surface every 17 years, I’m in hopes that I’m fortunate enough to live 17 more years to see these creature agravate us again. I’ll be 76!
After careful consideration, I’ve made a promise to myself that I will not spend any more time fretting over things that I have no control over. I vow to live every day as if it may be my last. I will no longer put off what I can do today. When I think of someone special, I won’t ignore that feeling. I will pick up the phone and call them or send them a quick email or text. I won’t spend unnecesary time gossiping with coworkers over trivial things. What is the point? We have to work, right? When we are able to go back to church, I won’t put too much thought in the feeling that I’m being judged unfairly. Hurt people do hurt people. I know I hate being judged so I will make a conserted effort to not judge anyone. The Golden Rule was taught to me as a little girl. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Every day, I will continue to be kind to someone, to make them smile. A little effort does go a long way. I will make sure I make time for my adult children and my grands, no matter how busy I am. I will make time for my youngest, to intently listen to him and hear him. I will be more patient with my aging my mom, who often forgets who I am or may unintentionally say something hurtful. I will forgive all those that have hurt me. I will encourage myself to be joyful even when things aren’t going well and look for the good in it. I will make a habit of embracing each day to the fullest, and not being so hard on myself.
How about you? Are you excited about seeing the cicadas in 17 years?