The Time We're Given

My Marines and I are bidding farewell to one of our own next week, and Friday we talked about a farewell gift. In my mind I noted the opportunity to draw the picture that they plan on framing and mounting with our unit's patch. I didn't say anything because it's daunting to draw on demand, especially if you're not an artist...
But then this morning I just let go of the expectations, and drew. And in an hour I had this:
I think he'll like it. I feel relaxed after having completed it, and need to remind myself to keep doing art. The last thing I did artistically was months ago.
The lesson I learned was that our preconceptions sometimes limit what we do with our time. They really don't need to. Right now I can stand up. I can walk out. I can begin running down the street.

If I chose to.