Are You in the Parade or Watching It?

Posted from Royal Oak, Michigan-

I live in the most unusual small cities in America.  Royal Oak, Michigan has an unbelievable downtown district that has a huge number of pedestrians at any given hour of the day or night.  We still have a Memorial Day parade.  This morning, people were literally walking the streets.

Out for my a.m. run, I happened upon a family that was assembling for the holiday festivities.  Runners get used to hearing bits and snatches of conversation; we're never around long enough to take in a complete conversation. 

Anyway, as I jogged past, the mother said to one of her small daughters.  "Honey, you don't understand.  We're in the parade, we're not watching it."

What a beautiful and inspiring metaphor for folks who watch life pass them by.  Wake up, people!  You're in the parade!

Happy Memorial Day to everyone, whether you're in the parade or watching it.