As I watched the world around me

In the new small town of less than six hundred folks

Our nation’s celebration of independence

Brought relatives to neighbors as outdoor grills were soon fired up

The aroma of hickory smoke wafted across my yard

Sounds of happy people sharing memories drifted along as well

I continued my work of unpacking boxes

And hanging old pictures on my new home’s walls

As I worked away, I became acutely aware

That I had spent so much of my life

Working, working, and working more, working to make our lives work

Never realizing so many opportunities were missed

Opportunities to relax and bond to sit with family and share

A walk in the park or hike in the woods, picnic lunches and barbeques

So, I will slow down the pace, at least a bit

I will make time to spend time