Once in a lifetime

There are many special events that occur "once in a lifetime." The obvious ones are ones we try to remember and treasure. But there are smaller ones happening almost every day. We need to remember to be grateful for both.

On the larger event front, we are celebrating the Division 1A Championship for the Moapa Valley High School Pirates 9 (see this links for article recapping the game or this video recap. We made the drive to watch each of the play off games because we knew we would not have a chance like this again. Definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. For us, it is great that Moapa won and our grandson had a chance to participate and make a positive contribution.

Our lives are full of once in a lifetime opportunities, though, and we missed one because we had to choose. During the semi-final game, our stake at church participated in the Phoenix Temple dedication cultural celebration. Youth we know danced with all their might while we were driving home from a football game. We chose our immediate family over our church family, because, after all, family is the most important. There are often choices like that to be made. 

We have missed attending important family events in the past, such as a granddaughter's baptism, a graduation and baby blessing, because of work obligations. We are happy that we are now in a situation where family can have the priority over work. Along with the aches and pains of getting older, there are some blessings such as family. (Also, senior discounts).

Other once in a lifetime events are baby blessings, a first step, recitals, graduations, ordinations, baptisms, weddings, etc. With the wonders of technology, we can stay in touch and develop relationships with family members who do not live nearby. That was much harder when I was raising my daughter. I am grateful Facebook lets us share and record these events.

Our lives are filled with blessings that are truly once in a lifetime. Other blessings occur each day, but these too can be appreciated for the wonders and miracles they are. That paper for school, the talk in church, successfully learning to ride a bike, mastering a gymnastics or cheer move, all of these are miracles to celebrate. Every holiday is a once in a lifetime event. Let us never forget to celebrate the daily miracles in our lives by noting them and giving thanks.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.