I am a Quality Time girl (I'll wait for the shock to wear off). I had the most precious weekend of quality time, and it really took me back to my values and to really embracing the present (in time, which is a gift).
It was the perfect Fall weekend in Athens, GA. If you know Athens and you know me, you know that means football. I had tickets to the game, my first of the season to see my beloved Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium, and for the first time since he saw me as a Redcoat in college, my Dad got to go with me! I met him hours before the game, he was waiting to have lunch with me at his favorite spot downtown -The Grill - home of burgers, fries, and shakes. It was delightful. It was relaxing. The city was buzzing with Fall, sunny and cool. The leaves were gorgeous and also crunchy underfoot. The red and black filled the streets, so much excitement in the air for game day.
We took pictures with the iconic Arch, walked through old campus, where he spent his days as a freshman in ROTC 49 years ago, and where I first fell in love with my school 34 years later.
It's like home, it all comes back to me. We leisurely walked around, killing time so as to not have to sit too early. Then we made it in time for pregame, another sense of home and belonging for me! Seniors are honored, as were veterans.
We had great seats, that allowed for both sitting and standing. My Dad knows to give me the play-by-play. We high fives, cheered, and just enjoyed the time together, especially once we pulled away and won. I caught up with a longtime friend of mine, and my Dad got to see her too!
Occasionally, Dad had to remind me to pay attention, as I was coordinating after-game logistics. It was a good check to bring me back to the game.
The game was over and it was time for Dad to head home. We connected with a dear friend of mine with whom I was headed to dinner! Boy I enjoyed that time with my Dad. We both felt that way, and agreed that we need to make it an annual tradition!
One of my dearest friends, Cindy, and I were both in Athens, so dinner was a must. We treked across the tracks (roads were closed) to her car and had a delightful hibachi dinner. I love that I can call her and we can do dinner on short notice! She then handed me off to my other friend with whom I was spending the night! I'm so very rich in blessings!
The richness kept on giving Sunday. The reason I stayed Saturday night was because I had the neatest opportunity: brunch with my middle school band director and his family. Some people laugh when I say that because they know it's true and how important it is to me. And some people laugh because it's one of those "Only you Alison." But it's true. When I look at the major influences in my life, Denny Turner, Frank Folds, Joe Bader, Adam Heidenreich, and Rudy Wilson are among some of the greatest! So, when Denny Turner invites me to brunch, it's a priority and it's happening! Yes, he taught me 22 years ago, and I couldn't wait!
Have you ever tried parking in Athens? Yeah. Even after all these years, I don't allow enough time. My friend and I took several laps before ending up in the parking garage. We were frazzled from being turned around, and I hated being late. And all of that melted when I walked into this fabulous restaurant and into one of the sweetest, most genuine hugs. I was re-introduced to his sweet wife, and his most respectful and polite "bonus Boys". They warmly received my friend. He held out my chair as I sat. We sat at a cozy table for 6. We had amazing service, amazing conversation, and sweet fellowship. We talked dogs, Dawgs, memories, and dreams! I sought his advice and he looked me Square in the eye, with his glasses perched on his nose, speaking into my life.
What I realized later was that the only time I pulled out my phone was to check us in (because, hello, I'm Alison), and show them a picture. Like a lot of people, I often get on my phone too much with other people. The extrovert in me is busy being connected as much as I can!
But at that brunch, I didn't want my phone. I wanted to be exactly where I was, in that moment, with those 5 people.
I also noticed that no one else was on their phone either. It was like this unspoken understanding of presence. We were right there, and there is where we wanted to be.
Happy place. The ultimate happy place.
I was sharing my weekend with my new coach, and savoring the experience all over again. She got me thinking about some of my values that were enriched by that weekend.
God. What about Him? His hand in everything! All blessings flow from Him, from the changing plans to the people He gave me, the provision, the food, the goodness, the fellowship! Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!
Family. It was one of the sweetest times with my Dad. Just Dad and me, enjoying a glorious shared experience.
Friendship. A most heavenly gift. I feel like the richest girl in the world when I'm spending time with friends I love!
A wanted priority. Feeling this is something I was able to claim for the first time 2 and a half years ago. This weekend, I KNEW I was a wanted priority! My Dad made it happen. My friends came together to make it possible. And I felt cherished and secure!
Take the time to enjoy the present. What does it taste like? What do you hear? What do you see? What are you discovering about what you really want and value?
"The past is history. The future's a mystery. All we have is the present, and that's a gift."
