Little Moments

Monday afternoon we were able to attend the funeral of Scott's great aunt, Aunt Kaye-Kaye. As I listened to the stories shared about Aunt Kaye from outside of the chapel with my squirmy, squealing son, I couldn't help but reflect on the few experiences I shared with Aunt Kaye. As I thought back to each experience, I felt a sense of urgency to become the type of woman that sweet Aunt Kaye is--kind, genuine, witty, & charming. Having been a member of the family for only 3 years, she treated me as if I was the most important person in the room and genuinely wanted to hear about my life, my family, and my history. She made me feel completely comfortable which, for any of you that truly know me, is saying something.

As I limped (I'm pretty sure I broke a toe on Sunday night) back and forth down the halls of the church, reality hit as I realized that far too much of my time is spent focusing on the negative. I stress about the lint on the carpet which magically appeared 5 minutes after vacuuming, the dishes in the sink, and the endless piles of laundry to fold. I complain about meetings, appointments, and yes---visiting teaching. But, as I thought of Aunt Kaye, I realized that to become genuinely kind, to become charitable and selfless, I need to look outside myself. I need to focus on what others have to offer. And, I need to treat my family like they are the most important people in the room---because, they are.

And so, Aunt Kaye, though we will certainly miss you, we honor you and the legacy you have left for each of us to carry on--even me, the great-niece you just met.