Today, as Forever

“We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it is forever.” – Carl Sagan

I met an old friend at the airport, both of us heading for the same plane, and we caught up on each other’s lives until we boarded the plane and went our separate ways on the other end of the flight. We spoke of family members fighting cancer who faced different expectations for the duration of their time on this planet. And saw in that brief conversation the folly of waiting for another day that might not be ours for the taking.

Each of us reminded that life is but a brief flutter that all too soon must end. Memento mori.

Each of us reminded to seize the day. Carpe diem.

What will we make of this day? This, our brief dance with the world? We ought to have one eye on the moment while we aim at tomorrow. To build for that tomorrow but to not ever rely on it being there for you. Celebrate today, as forever.

“Do not act as if you had ten thousand years to throw away. Death stands at your elbow. Be good for something while you live and it is in your power.” – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Enough of talk and grand plans. There’s no time for that! Get to it already. Today.