When the Last Is an Introduction to the First

If you have older children you know that there were many “lasts.” For instance, when was the last time you read your kids a bedtime story? When did you do her hair before school for the last time? When was the last time you helped them with their homework? When was the final time you played catch in the front yard? If you think about it too much it can drag you down into a spiral of sadness. But with each “last” that took place there was a “first” that replaced it.

Children on the Beach

Just think of the “first” time these things happened:

  • You saw her take her first steps
  • You watched him drive away in the car for the first time
  • You sent them off on their first date
  • You dropped him off for his first day of kindergarten
  • You left her in her dorm room and drove away when she began college

You see, without any lasts there wouldn’t be any firsts. In this life we have to take the good with the bad. We have to take the firsts with the lasts. It’s the nature of time. And time isn’t good or bad. It’s a neutral thing.

But what we do with time is what’s important. We can live in the past and dwell there, delving down into the depths of our emotions. Or we can recognize that time keeps moving forward. New things are to be embraced and celebrated. Living in the past will keep us from taking risks and creating something new. Living on the front edge of the future will keep life interesting, entertaining, and full of surprises.

All the lasts we encounter in life give way to the firsts that are so very important. If there were no lasts we wouldn’t be introduced to the things that are new, innovative, and more creative. The lasts in life introduce us to that which is fresh and new.

There’s nothing wrong with reminiscing about the past. But don’t stay stuck there. Dare to list your lasts and see how they introduced you to a first. Watch how the old brings about something new. Lean into the future having learned the lessons of the past. It’s a great way to live.

What are the firsts that came about in your life because something took place for the last time?

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

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