If you were to look back over your life, have there been songs that defined a period of it, or really summarized your outlook at that time? 

I haven’t listened to a ton of country music growing up. Sure, I knew many of the big songs, but I grew up on a heaping helping of rock n’ roll, singer songwriters, Motown, funk, some classical, blues, and what not. By the time my son was a week old, we had danced to Otis Redding, Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC… we’ listened to Holst’s The Planets, danced to Kermit Ruffins like we were on Frenchmen Street, and so many more. 

Yet if I were going to recommend one thing to anyone who is a new parent, or even anyone who is tired a lot for whatever reason, it would be to try a particular playlist on for size. 

Just a few days into my son’s life, my wife and I found ourselves having to be up all night with him. We kept music on, I’d whip up some middle-of-the-night snacks, and we talked and laughed and worked through worries like new parents do. We slowly found ourselves curating a Pandora station that kept us going. The station had a theme that has stuck with me throughout the past year, and has made the whole experience all the more beautiful: You’re gonna miss this. Don’t blink. It won’t be like this for long… 

It’s true of life. Whatever stage you’re in. We only have today. Today is the youngest you will be. Today is tomorrow’s ‘good old days.’ I’ve often found myself telling my teams or friends to stop, look around, take note and enjoy the ride. Life moves quickly. 

It was during one of those late night, dance-him-to-sleep sessions that I first heard the chorus of Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This,” which describes a few everyday-type situations and then goes: 

You're gonna miss this

You're gonna want this back

You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast

These are some good times

So take a good look around

You may not know it now

But you're gonna miss this

You might be saying “that’s great for you, but no thanks.” Try this, though. If you’re generally ok with life and find you are mostly nose-to-the-grindstone with days blending together, try listening to a few of these songs and see if they don’t give a little perspective. (If life is really down for you right now, I’ll leave it to you whether these kinds of songs will push you to change something, or if they would just make things worse…). I think no matter what, hearing messages of gratitude, contentedness, grit, devotion, and encouragement will always provide us with the insight we need to take the next right step, even if we need tough insights. 

Try Spotify, YouTube, etc and play some of these songs.   

You’re Gonna Miss This - Trace Adkins

Don’t blink - Kenny Chesney

Joy of my life - Chris Stapleton

Humble and Kind - Tim McGraw

It won’t be like this for long - Darius Rucker

On my way to you - Cody Johnson

‘Til you can’t - Cody Johnson

When the stars come out - Chris Stapleton

Better than I used to be - Tim McGraw

Die a happy man - Thomas Rhett

Love Without End, Amen - George Strait

The Coast is Clear - Drake White

Free - Zac Brown Band

Wrapped - George Strait

Forever and ever, amen - Randy Travis

Change Your Name - Brett Young

Colder Weather - Zac Brown Band

She’s everything - Brad Paisley

Carrying Your Love with Me - George Strait

Millionaire - Chris Stapleton

Same Boat - Zac Brown Band

Shotgun Rider - Tim McGraw

In case you didn’t know - Brett Young

Remember When - Alan Jackson

Carried Away - George Strait

If you would have asked me a year ago what songs I was likely to play my son 100 times, none of those would have made the list. Now, I think we’re past 100, on par with Bruce, Michael, Freddy, Sam, Otis, Ray, Darryl and John, etc. 

I hope your music is playing in your life and it’s lifting you up. I hope it helps you appreciate the present moment and remember to not take life too seriously. 

Questions to Consider

• What music is playing in your life now? Is it positive? Does it lift you up, or does your playlist commiserate with you? 
• What messages are you hearing regularly? Are you being encouraged and lifted up? If not, why? How deliberately are you seeking something uplifting?