August Apples: Have You Appreciated Them?

This past summer, I took it upon myself to be more deliberate about separating myself from the familiar glare of my various screens. During one of these instances, I happened across an apple tree that has been in my life for years. I was struck by the scene of this tree as its limbs were bent and drooping with the weight of the fruits that were not even ripe yet.

How often do we find ourselves stretching to the limit for the fruits of our labor; doubling ourselves over with the burdens we shoulder to meet and exceed our own expectations. When we are constantly charging forward, yet not looking back, do we ever reap the full benefits we have sown with our time, energy and if we are fortunate enough, passion?

There is not a deadline for reflection or appreciation and often because of this, it is passed over. My greatest challenge to you all for what remains of this year: take a moment to appreciate the work you and those around you have accomplished and the effort it took to do so.