First, I got to sit in while Michael Hyatt interviewed New York Times bestselling author Don Miller about his new book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. You have probably heard me say this before, but I am going to go ahead and say it again.

A Million Miles is a GREAT book. It is the kind of book that sticks with you for days, months, possibly/probably years. It makes you think, think about who you are and what you were put here to do. And so it was incredible to have the opportunity to hear Don and Mike’s intriguing dialog about Don’s journey from the publication of Blue Like Jazz to publication of A Million Miles. (Don’t worry, the video will be posted at www.michealhyatt.com as we get closer to the book’s September release so you can all enjoy this fascinating conversation.)

I know, I know. I have a really cool job and this is stacking up to be a great day for me.  And I’m just getting started.

After work, I had tickets to go with a few friends to see two bands I love, Counting Crows and Michael Franti & Spearhead play at The Ryman Theatre which is the coolest venue ever, or at least the coolest venue that I’ve ever been too. I was surprised to learn that Augustana, another favorite, would also be performing.

On our way downtown to the show, I was reading our ticket confirmation to Rami and Heather. Rami commented that it sounded like we were on the front row. And she was right we were on the front row, the very front row, the front row of folding chairs on the floor in front of the Ryman’s beautiful wooden pews. And we were in the dead center. We had great seats! (Not that we sat down.)

The final surprise of the day was the show. I knew it would be a good show. But it was THE BEST SHOW EVER.

It was billed a “traveling circus” and that is what it was. Eighteen talented musicians in three very different bands came together and put on a show that I’ll never forget. They sang together, they sang apart. They sang their hits, they sang classic tunes like “Dancin’ in the Moonlight.” They had us singing along to beautiful ballads like “Boston,” they had us jumping around waving our hands in the air and shouting to “Hello, Bonjour.” For four solid hours we were entertained. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the show.

PS – Be sure to checkout the tour’s website. They do an amazing job incorporating social media channels like Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, and You Tube. They definitely get it.

Have you had a great day lately? I hope so. I would love to hear about it.

I approach things like I am waiting for my life to begin. Waiting until I have met a man. Waiting until I have kids. Waiting until I have lost fifteen lbs. Waiting until I am a success professionally. Waiting until the summer is over and I am not out-of-town all the time. Waiting until I have reconciled with an old friend. Waiting until 5 o’clock. Waiting until everything is in order.

Or I find myself relishing, over-analyzing, even reliving, days gone by. Back when I had summer vacations. Back when I was in college. Back when I lived in Alabama. Back when I dated the boy that I thought was “the one.” Back when I was a size 4. Back when friendships were simple. Back when I felt like the world was my oyster.

But focusing on the past is futile because those stories have already been penned; and focusing on the future is needless because those stories may never come to be.

This is my life. Right now. All these little moments that make up today. My story is being written RIGHT NOW. And it’s my job to get to make sure that it is an epic story.

“This is the day that Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Do you struggle with this? How do you stay focused on living in the present?

P.S. – You must go right now and buy a copy of Don Miller’s A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. It doesn’t release until September 29, but it is well worth the wait. It will get you thinking about your life from a entirely new perspective. It is a must read!