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Best To-Do Ever!

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It is good to have goals. It is good to make lists, to have to-dos. To have a daily challenge is a good thing. The best one ever issued to me came from my youngest grandson, then a preschooler.


"Kiss me 100 times today!”

His arms were tight around my neck and a wet smack of a kiss was planted on my cheek. Of course, I hugged him right back and placed a tender kiss upon his face.

There is so much I remember about that moment. I remember the feel of it, his little body flung into my arms. I remember how my heart flip-flopped in reply. I remember the joy and enthusiasm in his face. Best idea ever!

He’s in college now. Last night I got a text just as my head hit the pillow, "I know it’s late there. How ‘bout I call you tomorrow?” My heart flip-flopped. I texted back, "Best idea ever!”

We are also in, what, week twelve, of stay-in-place? Forget the toilet paper shortage. The one I feel is the shortage of hugs and kisses. But I digress.

This morning at prayer, I looked to the day ahead to ask God’s grace and guidance. I wanted to live the gift of this day with awareness and gratitude. I've learned that to do so means signing up for it again--many times throughout the day. 

A sense of dismay came as I recalled my track record of previous days, how quickly each one passed without my stopping for either awareness or for gratitude. I really wanted to do better, to live this day well, and fervently asked for God’s help. 

"How many times today will you have to remind me, Lord?” I asked. Spontaneous, unbidden memory rose and spoke in sweet reply,


"Kiss me one 100 times today!”

My heart flip-flopped. Not a chore but a kiss. I get it no