Everything in moderation, including moderation because – life’s short.

Those who know me are well aware that my definition of socializing is chatting with friendly people when running errands. People tend to talk to me and I am not shy when it comes to engaging, or initiating if there is something that deems conversation worthy. Visit a few stores, talk with some pleasant folks then it certainly qualifies as an official night out!

Waiting in the supermarket checkout line, I inched forward in an attempt to get what I referred to as the ‘thing-a-majiggy’ and the lady ahead of me knew exactly what I meant – the ‘whatcha-ma-call-it.’ The artfully decorated cake in my basket led to chatter about life’s celebrations and I proclaimed that any occasion was an occasion for cake to which she responded, ‘But after dinner, of course.’ Absolutely not 100% of the time!

Sometimes it’s before dinner – and sometimes, it is dinner. We may sneak a piece during the day or sliver a slice as a snack. We may even cut some for breakfast, followed by our multi-vitamin because surely our decisions aren’t necessarily nutritious or healthy ones – but those decisions are ours to make. We are grown-ups. We’ve earned the privilege of tossing some rules right out the window, and I can think of many.

Life is short. We should moderate everything, including moderation. We say it. We buy signs that proclaim it. We tout the message, yet rarely do we live it.

We find ourselves bogged down by the can nots and should nots. We are plagued by potential guilt and shame. We get so caught up in these things that they become life itself – and that takes up way too much mental space and stands in the way of what? Enjoying our lives!!

I’m the queen of it, so no preaching here. Maybe I’m nudging myself because I say it, buy the signs, and tout the message – but sometimes I forget and lose too much time restricting myself, judging myself, and not living in the way I believe every one of us should be – and we can’t get that time back. It’s gone, forever.

Yes, there are things we need to improve upon. There are habits to be broken. There is a need for some control and restraint so that we don’t become selfish, reckless hedonists. We need to honor our conscience, yet respect our true selves.

But we can have cake before dinner. Not every day, but some days – and we should let go of certain rules that actually hinder the joy of living rather than celebrate our very existence.

Reframe your thinking and start living today.

Got faith? Our world needs your prayers.

It’s the holiest time on the Christian calendar – the Easter Triduum, three days commemorating the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It’s also Passover, a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the Biblical story of the Israelites escape from slavery in Egypt.

Rocket attacks and airstrikes in Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza. Another school shooting in Nashville. Racial discord. Gender issues. Mental health crises. Addiction. Leaders and politicians who conduct themselves like high school cliques.

It’s disheartening, sad, and seems to be spiraling out of control right now – everywhere. Not just in America, but around the globe.

As I sat in church last evening, I reflected deeply. At anytime, anywhere – anyone could walk through the doors in places of worship and cause mass destruction. How could they? Why do they? None of us are safe.

Last weekend I sat in a school cafeteria, watching the kids interact and go about their day, doing the things that kids do. I reflected deeply. How could anyone, for any reason walk through the doors of a school and murder, or injure, any child, any human being? None of us are safe.

It’s heartbreaking and we, as a society, as a world, need all of the prayers we can get. Hug your loved ones, appreciate every moment, and if you have it in you – pray. Pray for peace. Pray for unity. Pray for a better tomorrow.