“Firsts”…

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.

Lao Tzu

 As we come close to the year’s end, I find myself reflecting on all the changes over the years.  So many “firsts” come to mind.  Many are lovely “firsts”. Baby’s first steps, first words, first Christmas. First pet. First day of school.  First book read. First dance.  First “best friend”. First kiss. First concert. First day of college. First day married. First home. First baby.  So many wonderful “firsts”.

 Other “firsts” are harder.  First time a family pet dies. First time a friend or family member moves far away. First friendship or romance breakup. First time not home for the holidays. First time that a dear one dies…and all the first significant days and holidays without that person. Each of these “firsts” are hard, particularly as some also imply a “last”. 

 Yet, no matter whether we are experiencing happy firsts or sad firsts, we can choose to be joyful in seeing the beautiful chaos of life.  The wild fabric of life that is unique to each of us and helps to make us who we are.  We can choose to embrace change and the good in the present or futilely try to live in the sweetness of the past. 

This out of focus, black and white, faded-with-time photo of my mom’s first time in Yosemite captures the essence of “firsts”.  It represents a special moment in my mom’s life. There’s no doubt in my mind that God used that moment to inspire her to become an artist in her later years, painting Yosemite and many other places that touched her life and heart.

 What firsts have influenced your life?