Have
you ever had one of those moments where time stood still and all was right in
the world?
I imagine this is how the father felt when his
estranged son returned after leaving with his inheritance. I think one of the
biggest obstacles in today’s world is that we have so many worries about stuff
that we forget to stop and see those moments as the gifts from God that they
truly are. This is less of a devotional today and more of a challenge. I want
to challenge you to find a little notebook, tuck it and a pen somewhere on your
person, be it purse or pocket and start recording the moments. As a society we
get so caught up in what we have, what we want, and what we think we need that
we miss what is already there.
As
I look back on the past 5 months of this year a lot has happened, many changes occurred,
some reducing stress and some adding to exponentially. I can see those moments
though and I wish I would have appreciated them more when they happened.
Moments like bringing in the New Year with family and friends from church, and
singing like a rock star on Rock band that night. Moments like celebrating
Holly’s birthday at my mom’s home with a knitting cake and making faces with my
favorite little Kenley, I believe that night Kenley literally poked the bear,
too cute. Moments like walking around our Nation’s capital with Jordan placing
a gnome in places he probably shouldn’t have been for picture opts. Holding my
wife’s hand as we watched the soldier at the tomb of the unknown do his march,
sitting next to the drunk guy in Imax and watching a surfing movie, and seeing
my boys excited about every exhibit and museum we went to because their thirst
for knowledge is amazing. High school dances and fancy dresses and suits were
also a highlight. Moments when I realize my children are growing into young
adults and I have to like the father mentioned above start letting them take
some responsibility for their own actions. All the little moments in April that
just jump out such as painting for a large group of young people as we
discussed the importance of rest, our friend Mary scaring another friend at
Tracy’s birthday party, becoming a member of the American Association of
Christian counselors, and a great night with my friends at a Scallywag event.
Moments like when our oldest boy took first, by a lot, in his heat of hurdles,
when Jordan beat Nick in the mile because that was his goal, and Sayje landing
on her head catching a high fly ball in softball. Watching Joey play with his
friend Peter and not getting any calls about them being in trouble, and one of
my favorite moments is when Maddy comes home from long weekends at her dad’s
and we cuddle up on the couch, her, Holly, and I and catch up on River
Monsters.
So
your challenge is to simply keep track of your moments, thank those who were
part of them, thank God for allowing them to happen, and appreciate what you
have instead of what you think you need.
