Today Is the Day

Today is May 1. May 1st, the day that bring hope to the masses (the end of the semester is fast approaching) and dread to the masses (the end of the semester is fast approaching). Seems like only yesterday it was April… Oh wait, it was. What? I never promised my humor was on point with Stephen Colbert.

Today, campus is ablaze with activity. With the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains adorning the skyline, trees are wearing their best spring coats, bushes are bedazzling campus with their spectacular colors, and the sky is a breathtaking blue speckled with clouds. The sun is out, the temperature is in the high eighties and the fragrance of a campus abloom in splendor is intoxicating. Students are wearing shorts, flipflops, t-shirts, university gear, and backpacks as they dance to class, or meander if the day merits it. Walking around the Dell is tantamount to a transformational retreat for the senses. Today is special and unique, glorious and wonderful, spectacular and brand new.

Why is today different than any other day? Honestly, it’s not. Today is Decision Day for future Hornets. Today at 3 pm is Dr. Clifton Potter’s retirement reception. Today there are meetings, and rehearsals and presentations, and defenses presented, studying and tests to navigate, folks to talk with and projects demanding a final touch. While each one of these is important, the reason today is different is because today is today. Today will never happen again. There will be no do over. No second chance. No cyclical reoccurrence. Today is only today.

But today is not over . . . yet. There are moments left to savor. Time needing to be redeemed. Hours demanding to be reclaimed. Seconds deserving to be enjoyed. Choices yet to be made. Memories needing to be experienced. Life is short. We were reminded of that yet again with the active shooter on the UNC Charlotte campus yesterday. How we engage life is important.

Today, I invite you to engage in the splendor around you. Notice the skyline, the trees, the bushes and flowers. Notice the sky and the clouds. Take a deep breath (unless you have allergies which will land you in the ED. If so, please ignore this part of my invitation.) and delight in the fragrance of spring. Notice the people around you and see them as your companions for today. Stop. Be still. Tarry in the moment. Observe the Sacred. Live life fully and completely.

May today be everything you need to be reminded that life is a gift, a gift you are worthy to receive. Carpe Diem! Seize the day!

Blessings, Katrina