Last week, Kim and I took our favorite trip—the trip we have taken every year for the past five years.
Each year, we head to the mountains of Red River, New Mexico, for some quiet downtime and cool, crisp air after a long, hot Texas summer.
This year, every day 90 days before our trip, Kim sent me a picture from one of our previous years in Red River, along with a countdown showing how many days remained until we would be sitting together in our favorite spot at our little cabin in the mountains.
Ninety days seemed like a long time when she started the countdown.
75 days.
45 days.
30 days.
12 days.
7 days.
Zero days.
We left early in the morning and made the nine-hour drive to Red River and the quiet little cabin we had rented.
We always like to take a nap after we arrive. As I rested my head on the pillow, I thought, “Ninety days seemed so far away, and now here I am, listening to the river run, the wind blow, and the cool air come through the window.”
The days that seem so far away will pass, and the “one day” we are waiting for will arrive.
That day will arrive whether we spend our time worrying or feeling excited, being sad or joyful, working hard or taking the easy route, rushing or resting, living intentionally or unintentionally.
Time does not take sides.
The days will pass regardless, continually counting down to that one day.
The question I challenge each of us to consider is this: When your “one day” is a year away, a few months away, or only weeks away, how will you spend the days leading up to it, knowing that it will arrive whether you are prepared or not?
The one day will arrive.
When it does, don’t let it catch you off guard.
Prepare for your one day by approaching each day with intention.
The days may pass slowly, but the years go by quickly.
Don’t let the year pass you by.
Move toward your one day—one intentional day at a time.