Life's Bounty

Appreciating the present

A powerful quote about appreciating the present.

"Because children grow up, we think a child's purpose is to grow up. But a child's purpose is to be a child. Nature doesn't disdain what lives only for a day. It pours the whole of itself into each moment. We don't value the lily less for not being made of flint and built to last. Life's bounty is in its flow, later is too late." - Tom Stoppard

College admission season is upon us. Maybe you were accepted early-decision (congratulations!) and you’re planning your first term. Or you’re waiting to hear from your dream school (good luck!) and planning your options. Maybe you have young kids and you’re thinking (sometimes stressfully) about their future college prospects.

We often treat the present as stepping stones to a future state.

But, let us also appreciate and embrace the present with reverence — these are moments that we will never get again.

Life’s bounty is in its flow, later is too late.