In the closing scene of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Ferris, played by Matthew Broderick, looks directly into the camera and says, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

I've been thinking about this over the last week or so as we continue to witness many situations and issues swirling around, many of them beyond our control. And while it is perfectly normal that we are trying to stay as up-to-date and aware of every aspect of them, it can become overwhelming and require all of our attention. As a result, by focusing on trying to stay well-informed and afraid we might miss something, often this attention prevents us from "being present" and enjoying the truly important things in life.

My oldest daughter graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham this past weekend. As I sat and watched each graduate's name be read, and shook the University President's hand as they strode across the stage, screams of celebration and excitement from family and friends were incredible. I sat there in awe, thinking about what lies ahead for the graduates (especially mine and her friends), and the possibilities ahead of them.

The sheer joy and the celebration of a major life experience were unfolding in front of me, and as I look back to 72 hours ago, I am so glad that in that moment, as I celebrated my daughter's accomplishments, I was fully present and was not thinking about anything else. Had my attention been on other things, I would not have been able to truly appreciate, experience, and celebrate the moment.

I think we all need to remember that when chaos and turmoil are swirling around us, it is okay to "turn off the noise" and be present and appreciate the moment. Don't worry; as we all know, the issues and concerns we have will be there when the moment ends.