This fall, my Love and I will be embarking on a new adventure. He will be attending a semester long leadership course in the Adirondacks through Camp Of The Woods, and I passing the time at home, waiting for him to return. Although I am thankful that it is only one semester, and everybody tries to encourage me by saying that it will pass quickly, it is still 3 1/2 months without my Man.
With his leaving date only a little over a month away, I find my self dreading August. I find myself saddened every time I think of it's approaching nearness. Even when I am with him it is difficult to be cheerful, because I am reminded of how soon we will be apart. And yet, I am reminded of a picture I once drew. In the corner it reads: "Time flies. Cherish every moment."
I have to remind myself that I should be cheerful BECAUSE we have so little time. When he is gone, I won't want to look back on our time and feel like I wasted it in misery. I'll want to look back and remember all the fun memories.
But the hardest part if that joy and cheerfulness doesn't just happen. I must CHOOSE to be joyful. I like the way Debbie Pearl explains it in her book Created To Be His Helpmeet. We must practice joy the same way we practice the piano. Yes, we will often hit the wrong notes of depression and gloominess and unthankfulness. But, every time we hit a wrong note, we need to correct it. And sooner or later, we'll hit the good notes of joy, happiness, and thankfulness more and more often.
And I want to be that way. I want to cherish each and every moment I have with my Man, because times flies far too quickly.