Reminders.

Hi all! My name is Rachael, from Little Bites of Heaven. Before I get into the post, I want to first say that I am incredibly honored to be able to guest post for Tiffany...so, thank you Tiffany for trusting me with Ava. Initially, I set out to write a humorous post, but honestly...I am not really all that funny. I do try, sometimes. But my attempts are usually met with a crickets chirping type of silence. So...I figured I would spare you that pain and instead share with you something that has been on my mind.

Every so often, I get little reminders that my life is finite + fragile.

They can be internal or external, they can be personal or impersonal, they can be tiny nudges or full blown shoves; the impact tends to depend on what is required at that moment in time. I am always looking out to see what comes next, but as it so often goes, I am never ready for them. And yet their timing is, somehow, always perfect; hitting right where I need it, just when I need it.

And there really is no consistency or predictability to these reminders...they just are what they are.

They are reminders that are filled with love {or hate}. Reminders that come in tiny packages or giant hearts. Sometimes they are handcrafted by woman or man, sometimes by nature. They appear with random acts of kindness. Or clouded by random acts of violence. Some appear in words or float through song. Others need no words at all, just an image. They come with happiness + sadness. They come with tragedy + heartache. They come with hope.

And sometimes, the reminders encompass more than I ever imagined possible.

Despite the fact that they aren't always positive, I like the reminders. Quite a bit, in fact. It is comforting to know that they will be there, helping to guide me along as I stumble through life; because there are times when I really, really need just that.

While I know that I always have the choice within my power to change, sometimes I need to be presented with the stark reality that there are no second chances in life to be forced to change. To be reminded that once an opportunity has passed, it is gone. Because really? This is it. Life is short. It can be sweet, it can be bitter, it can be both. But, this is it.

And sometimes, I need a reminder of that.

I think we all do, from time to time.

Rachael

PS - I just found out from Lula!'s post that today is Tiffany's birthday, so don't miss out on wishing her a Happy Birthday in the post below!