The Little Moments Aren’t Little at All

There are some lessons in life we never expect to learn.

For me, those lessons came through heartbreaking loss and unexpected uncertainty.

When my mom passed away suddenly from COVID, I was reminded how quickly life can change. Then, not long after, my husband, Bernard, faced a life-threatening medical emergency. In both situations, my perspective shifted in ways I never could have imagined.

I realized that when life is turned upside down, we don’t usually think about the things we spent so much time chasing.

We think about the people.

We think about the conversations we wish we could have one more time.

We think about the laughter that filled our homes.

We think about the simple routines that once seemed ordinary.

Those ordinary moments suddenly become priceless.

This past weekend, I found myself living that lesson again.

Instead of filling every free moment with work, I chose to spend time with Bernard. We took a drive, played with our dogs, laughed together, and simply enjoyed being in each other’s company.

Nothing about the day was extravagant.

It wasn’t expensive.

It probably wouldn’t seem remarkable to anyone else.

But it reminded me that some of life’s greatest blessings aren’t found in extraordinary experiences—they’re found in ordinary moments shared with the people we love.

We often convince ourselves that we’ll make time later.

Later, when work slows down.

Later, when the house is cleaner.

Later, when life isn’t so busy.

But the truth is, life rarely slows down on its own.

Sometimes we have to choose what matters most.

I’m not suggesting we ignore our responsibilities. We all have work to do, families to care for, and commitments to keep.

But I am suggesting that we don’t allow life’s busyness to rob us of the people who make life meaningful.

Take the drive.

Sit on the porch.

Play with the dog.

Call your mom.

Visit your dad.

Take your spouse out for coffee.

Watch a movie with your children.

Put the phone down for a little while and simply be present.

Years from now, those are the moments you’ll remember.

Those are the moments your loved ones will remember too.

Don’t wait for a special occasion to spend time with the people you love.

The ordinary moments we often overlook today may become the memories we treasure most tomorrow.

Who is someone you’d like to spend more quality time with this week? I’d love to hear your answer in the comments below.

A new normal is not the end of our story. It is simply the place where the next chapter begins.

— Keisha Patrick