Yesterday was Ali’s and my 22nd wedding anniversary.
We’re actually celebrating it next weekend, so the “big day” snuck up on me.
Yesterday morning, we were both up early, getting ready for the day when she said, “Happy Anniversary!”
My reply? “Yes, oh my goodness, I forgot!”
It’s funny, when you plan to celebrate on a different day, the actual date can almost take a back seat. That was the case for us yesterday (some of you may be thinking, yeah right, lame excuse Taylor!)
So how did I celebrate my anniversary? Well, a friend invited me and my two youngest boys to play 18 holes at Loxahatchee Golf Club (blast!). (see 1st picture above)
Meanwhile, my 17-year-old daughter had about a half-dozen friends over after their theater rehearsal for The Prince of Egypt musical at The King’s Academy.
Ali made them dinner, and since they’re all musically talented, they started doing karaoke in our living room (see 2nd picture above).
My wife and I were trying to give them their space, but as we were both in the kitchen cleaning we ended up like flies on a wall just listening to them sing.
They were so good! I didn’t want to leave the kitchen, so a regular clean-up turned into a deep clean just so I could keep hearing them sing.
Ali, at this point, had no reservations. She just plopped herself down on the couch with the kids, getting a front-row seat to an impromptu concert.
At one point, she said, “This is the best anniversary gift I could have this year.” And she meant it. She’s a huge musical theater buff, so this was her kind of evening…the kids singing “One Day More” from Les Miserables right in her own living room!
Here’s my point:
It wasn’t a fancy restaurant or a trip that made our anniversary, it was kids singing karaoke in the living room. Ordinary turned into extraordinary.
Last night reminded me that the most meaningful experiences often don’t come from the “big, planned” events. They come from showing up, being present, and recognizing the ordinary moments as gifts from God.
Health is the same way. Many chase after the one big solution, whether it’s the latest fad diet, a new workout plan at the gym, or the next miracle supplement. But lasting health isn’t built on quick fixes.
It’s built on the everyday choices, the small, ordinary ones, that add up to give you the best return:
- Taking fifteen minutes a day to move your body
- Sitting up straighter while you work
- Making your treatment visits a consistent priority
- Choosing water instead of soda or coffee
On their own, these don’t feel spectacular. But remember what Proverbs says: “diligence is a man’s precious possession.” When you string ordinary choices together consistently, they create extraordinary results, moving better, sleeping deeper, and living with less pain and more energy.
Our anniversary night reminded me of that. We didn’t plan anything elaborate, but by just showing up and being present, something special unfolded.
Health works the same way, be faithful in the ordinary, and you’ll be surprised by the results.
To your health,
Dr. Derek “Ordinary Anniversary Guy” Taylor
561-867-1020
