Just about every year on Father’s Day, I take a short hike with my children and wife to a little waterfall at a local park. Although my kids are aware that it is one of my favorite places in the world, I’d never really given an explanation as to why we return to the same spot. The tradition is based on a quote from Heraclitus. “A man can never step into the same river twice because the river has changed and so has he.” Although I usually don’t set foot into the stream near the waterfall, I recognize the change in us both.
This tradition is meant as a time of reflection for me to realize the changes in my life, my children and the world that surrounds me. Personally I find this to be very helpful because I don’t take for granted the many things that have changed. My son growing taller is an obvious change but juxtaposing our past visits against yesterdays I more clearly see the man that he is becoming. I cannot freeze these moments to keep them from flowing by like the water. The only thing that I can do is notice them. It is my job to remember that each time we return to this place to be grateful for the time that we have had. Unlike the stream that is sourced from a large lake, there is no telling when this time will run out.
So as you go out into your day, take a moment to appreciate the people in your life that really matter. The time of your life will keep flowing by no mater what you do. However you can take this moment to appreciate all that you have. There is not a lack of beauty in this world. There is just a greater amount of distraction. So it is up to us to look for the beauty before it passes us by.
Have a great day! And Happy Father’s Day to the Dads out there!
Pete
Huryk Unlimited 