In Session

My daughter and I watched a movie called The Switch, the other night. It featured Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman. I love both of these actors so I wanted to like the movie more than I did, but it was still a fun, cute watch. Even with movies and books that I don’t particularly like, I usually have some glean of wisdom that sticks with me. There was one line from this movie, that I thought was particularly good.

Jennifer Aniston’s character, in The Switch, has decided that she is ready for a baby, despite the fact that she has not found a suitable partner in life, yet. She is seriously considering artificial insemination. Jennifer quotes a motivational speaker who says, “Life is in session.”

Life is in session.

Now, of course, Jason Bateman , who essentially plays “Jason Bateman” in every role that he has ever had, makes fun of this statement in his usual snarky, sarcastic way. But I personally thought that the statement is spot on. It sticks with me.

Whether we like it or not, Life is in session. It doesn’t stop for us. Today, seems like it is really the official, first day of summer for my family. The official summer schedule has begun. My youngest son, who is still at home, has started his first day of his summer job. My daughter will start her first day of summer volunteering. Her tennis schedule is now switched to summer hours. My husband’s work schedule always seems to change to more of a summer pace right around this time of year, every year. My summer schedule, as many moms can relate to, falls in line with the rest of my family’s agenda.

Life is in session. We are in summer session. Life feels slower, hotter, more relaxed, less scattered. But that is just an illusion. Life is still going on. Life is in session. Am I taking full advantage of this free, challenging, exciting, surprising, interesting course that I have been gifted? That could end at any point? Am I?

Life is in session.

6 thoughts on “In Session”

  1. Life is indeed in session.

    And you are correct – it could end at any moment. I found that out the hard way last September, when I was hospitalized for a week in a diabetic coma. I thought I had the flu. I was wrong. When I was recovering, one of the doctors told me straight up, “You died. You came as close to dying as anyone can whose heart is still beating. Be grateful that you’ve got a second chance.”

    That was pretty sobering, since I had NO IDEA that I was in danger of dying at any moment. It’s made me look at my life from a new perspective, a fresh perspective, and decisions about what is important seem a lot easier now. I was never one to suffer fools gladly, but they don’t even get the time of day from me now. I am still learning the lesson I was meant to receive from that experience, but every day is a new quest, and every day I’m grateful for this life. I’m grateful that life is still in session.

    1. I am happy your life is still in session, too, Kelly. I can’t imagine how profound a lesson that experience had to have been in your life, but you have such a positive outlook.

  2. Aww, thanks! Some of my friends have nicknamed me “The Angel of Eternal Optimism” because I always look for the good. I can’t help it. After I got out of the hospital, instead of cogitating on the tragedy that almost befell me, I was ecstatic that my body had completely detoxed off of sugar and caffeine! I think I may be a little bit nutty, but it works for me.

    I’m enjoying your blog. Keep up the good work!

  3. I retired last year(I was an RN), my husband retired several years before. His life has become very sedentary. I keep telling myself there is no do-over in life. As you say, life is in session. I’ve rediscovered some interests and become involved in some new activities I can’t just sit and let life pass me by.

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