Last night, my husband and I attended a wonderful concert with singer songwriter, John Flynn at one of our favorite Western MA. haunts, The Guthrie Center. The Guthrie Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to “take care & give care,” and much of that intention comes through music.

John Flynn gave an incredible performance. He is a passionate, soulful, amazingly talented man. Wow, it’s quite stunning to observe someone doing exactly what they are meant to do during their time here on earth and doing it so well! From his first to his last song, he graced us with songs that were humorous, loving, romantic and poignant.

One song in particular, “In the Blink of an Eye” was one of those songs that tenderly reminds us to slow down and mindfully appreciate the moments of our lives, especially the moments of relationship. In the blink of an eye, an opportunity to enjoy our children, call a friend, connect with a neighbor or spend time with our parents or grandparents, awaiting our precious attention. Life can feel like it gets moving too quickly and before we know it, the moments we had intended to have are gone, passed us by. Blink.

During John’s song, I reflected on the relationships that I have in my life right now, that I don’t want to let slip by. My Dad is 96 years old. He is the remaining parent my husband and I.. That in itself is worth celebrating!! My father still lives in the house I was raised in, just got his license renewed and can participate in a very insightful, brilliant conversation about any number of topics. Daily he drives to his favorite coffee shop, Rosies Diner, where he relishes in the relationships of friendly patrons and waitresses whom he now regards as part of his tribe. I visit with my Dad every week and I am grateful that he is just a forty minute drive away. What eats at me is the quality of the visit. I realize I don’t want to pop in for an hour or two, but, spend time with him, just BE with him. I’m not happy “fitting him in” between my appointments. I have to listen to that gut feeling I’ve been having. So, those visits will be changing. If I don’t listen to my inner voice on this one, regret will be on the other side and I am choosing not to be on the other end. Blink.

The other calling I have is to spend time with my three grandchildren, Lev, Ryder and Eliya. I knew before they were born that my priority would be to make time to grandmother them, to be in relationship, so that we could all enjoy and benefit from this very special time. So far, so good on this one. WooHoo! Not only do I get a total kick out of them, but, I want all of us to have the bond that I didn’t have with my grandparents, nor did our children have with theirs. I want to watch them growing up right before my eyes and savor every single moment I can with them.

I have been on vacation with my husband this past week and I do believe that hearing John sing that song has changed my way of being with my husband. Appreciating his presence, his love and generosity, even more than I usually do, has made this vacation very special for me. Blink.

The Guthrie Center, Gt. Barrington, MA. www.guthriecenter.org
John Flynn www.johnflynn.net