Live Like the Gate’s Open

I don’t remember where I saw the photo, but the moment it captured has stayed with me.

The picture showed a big crowd of parade-watchers pressed onto a city sidewalk. Too many people in too little space. Right in the middle of it all was an older woman resting her arms on the street barrier. She was leaning forward into the scene, watching the parade go by. Smiling. Relaxing. Soaking it all in.

Around her, everyone else was busy taking selfies. Posing. Finding the right light. Staring into their cameras with their backs to the street.
Missing the parade. Missing the experience.

I keep thinking about that woman who knew how to be in the moment. She was gathering up the colors, the sounds, the feelings. She’s the one who’ll remember it best, describing every detail in her mind for days.

Now, I don’t mind a good selfie. I love having proof I was there!

But when it comes to living life, I don’t just want to look like I was there … I want to be there. I want to lean in and watch it all unfold. Feel it. Let it soak in. I don’t want to miss the real moment because I’m worried about getting it into my phone’s photo album.

You know what I mean?

I saw this on a chalkboard outside a little pet boutique that sells bakery items and home goods for dogs:

Live like someone left the gate open.

Isn’t that the best?

Run. Play. Bounce. Jump. And then do it all over again.
Chase the stick. Splash through puddles. Notice the butterflies, the weeds, the other pups, the sunbursts.

Live fully present. Lean into the moment.

It’s summertime, friend. The world is bursting with color, laughter, flowers, dewy grass, sunrises and sunsets, lazy rivers and rushing streams, parades and bright sunshine. Let’s not just watch it go by. Let’s bask in it.

Here’s the deal. You, my friend, have a heart that knows how to notice beauty. You’re brave enough to shut the planner, step away from the to-do list, and go for that walk or soak in the sunshine. You get it. You know your spirit needs a breath of fresh air now and then. Even your brain deserves a little vacation in the middle of these ordinary days.

So … Notice. Experience. Take a deep breath. Enjoy the beautiful goodness around you.

(OK. Just let me add this note. My mind keeps singing that old jingle: “You deserve a break today. So get up and get away…to McDonald’s.” Ha! A Big Mac and fries isn’t quite what I’m talking about here, but I’m 100% for you taking a break and finding your own moment of breathing room.)

Let’s live like someone left the gate open.

Will you join me?