I was recently watching an interview with John Stamos. He was recalling the last time he went out to dinner with his good friend, Bob Saget.
One thing John remembered is that they stayed extra long after dinner, ordered some coffee and cake, and just enjoyed their time. He recalls doing this after thinking that he and his wife should leave soon.
His takeaway — he's glad he chose to stay a while.
Life always seems to have us rushing to and fro. Rarely do we get a chance to savor time itself. We even wish we could pause it sometimes.
John's recollection of his last dinner with his dear friend is a reminder to take longer looks, sip drinks slower, and ditch the clock.
In the midst of the rush, we seem to lose our direction. We're never pausing because we're always focused on getting somewhere.
We always feel like we have to go.
There's a certain pressure to our routines that has us feeling like we just can't make the extra time. We can stay for a little bit but never too long.
It feels like we have it backwards. We should be staying longer instead.
On Christmas Eve growing up, our family would usually go to Church and then find ourselves stopping for a visit at my grandparents right after.
My Grandma Vicky would break out the Christmas cookies and egg nog. We'd sit in the family room exchanging laughs and occasional glances at the Christmas tree.
My brothers and I were off school, Christmas was around the corner, life was good. It was one of the traditions every year where it truly felt like time was on our side.
We stayed a while. And then a while longer. There was no rush, no pressure, no timer. Just good company with some of my favorite people.
Next time you're with those people close to you, get the cake. Order the coffee. Take longer looks at each other.
One of these times will be the last time, and you won't want to look back and remember rushing through it.
Thanks for the reminder!
Happy Thanksgiving!