Why Not Now?

            On a recent random weekday, nowhere near any birthday or holiday, my dad gave me a gift that I can’t stop thinking about. He found a magazine photo of a place that I’ve expressed a desire to visit, a bucket-list place. He clipped the photo, placed it in a frame, and wrote the caption, “Why not now?”

            I am beyond middle-age, but still several years from retirement. I’m of the generation that grew up believing you worked until you retired, then you traveled, chased your dreams, pursued hobbies, and volunteered for causes dear to your heart. He ought to know; he raised me.

            But now, at his three-quarter-century mark, he’s changed his advice. You see, we aren’t guaranteed a certain number of years. And when you finally have the time, or the money, to go and do the things on that list, there’s no assurance that you’ll have the physical ability, or the good health, or even the loved one you long to share that experience with.

            It’s cliche', but don’t be so busy making a living that you forget to have a life. If you have a desire of your heart, why not now?