How do you capture a moment?

Something I’ve been asking myself recently is: How do you capture a moment?

Picture this—you’re a truck driver. You’ve got a destination in mind, and a time hack to make; but you find yourself too focused on the road ahead and the time you’ve lost to stop and admire the deer wandering through the meadow on your left. If only you’d known it was there, you would have looked. Instead, you’re left watching it fade away in the rear-view mirror, your foot still on the accelerator.

It’s hard to know you’re living in a moment until it’s gone. But every now and again, you get lucky. For me, it took the soft glow of a dock-side campfire and the company of friends on a warm summer’s night to realize that I was once again driving down that oft-traveled road. As soon as I did though, I hit the brakes and I looked to my left.

Sure enough, there stood the deer—erect, proud, and resolute. I slowly exited my truck, careful not to disturb it, and stepped a few feet forward. The beautiful creature turned its head and looked at me; curious, but unafraid. So, I took a few more steps before finding a small mound to sit on and rest my back against. Then, I watched as the deer trotted towards the wood line where two fawns were emerging from the shadows. They seamlessly fell in line with their mother and the three deer pranced through the meadow as the sun set behind them—casting long shadows in my direction. And then, just like that, they were gone. And a second later, the sun was too. It was over. The moment had passed. Once again, it was just me and my truck heading who knows where.

I wish I could have watched the deer forever. Their grace and beauty gave me reason to pause and my heart time to feel. But my truck and its cargo, still had to get where it needed to go. So, I couldn’t have sat on that mound forever. Maybe moments were never meant to be captured. Maybe they’re fleeting on purpose. Maybe you don’t agree with me at all. Or maybe, you’ll find something even better when you decide to look out your window another mile down the road.

I’m glad we hit the brakes. Now it’s time to drive a little further.