Enjoying The Moments
How often do we find ourselves speeding through each day trying to cross off more to do's on our list? When are we stopping to pause life and enjoy the moments we are in?
I recently had the opportunity to go home and spend time with my loved ones. I absolutely enjoyed each day being around my family and friends. One of the best parts of my trip was that my phone couldn't work at my parents house. They live in a gorgeous canyon in Utah. I was the only one in the house with no cell reception. Some of you may be thinking, "What?! No cell service. I'd die!!" At first I too thought, "Oh no! No one can get a hold of me." Then I thought, "Nice, no one can get a hold of me." I was off the grid. I had very limited access to social media, texting, and calling anyone. I also had no car. I had never felt so much peace. I spent most of my days taking walks with my dad, sitting on the deck drinking a diet coke, listening to trees rustle, playing with my son on the swing set, playing games with family members till midnight, chatting like I haven't communicated with anyone over the age of 18 months in a long time, and the list goes on and on.
One day my dad decided to take the kids for a ride on his lawn mower. My little man's eyes lit up when he realized he could go with Pop on a ride. My dad put headphones on him and off they went. He enjoyed every second of his trip around the yard and down the road. It was then that I realized, how often do we stop and take in the moments around us?
My Grandma and Aunts also flew out to spend time with everyone and again I thought, take some time and enjoy the moments you have with your loved ones. Many of us may have experienced a time in our life where we felt regret. We may have felt we let moments pass by and before we know it people are gone and moments are missed.
Put down your phone, turn off the tv, shut down the computer, and start making memories to enjoy. When I got home from this fantastic vacation I wanted to go back badly. I wasn't ready for life to start again. It took a little time for me to realize that I just have to pause and breathe sometimes. I need to start to take in my surroundings and smile at where I'm at in my life. Enjoy the big moments that come but even more so, enjoy the little ones we receive each day.
Questions to think about:
Are you taking time to enjoy the moments given? Are we rushing to get through each day? Have I regretted moments that have passed by? What can we do to help us stop and take time to breathe and enjoy the journey we are on?
Family Home Evening Ideas:
Talk with one another about the importance of spending time with family and enjoying the moments given. Ask each person why they think it is important to stop and take a moment to enjoy what is around them? Talk about how technology has changed or helped these moments. What's a favorite moment from the summer? Give a challenge that is appropriate for the family or each member. Try to think of something that can help with slowing down this fast pace life and taking in these special times.
Follow up from previous months:
What songs have you heard recently that have inspired or lifted your spirits? Are you choosing your music wisely? Have you reached out to a loved one or friend that you feel could be lifted up? Continue to strive in letting go of the small stuff or big stuff in some cases. Lean on the Lord, He is there to protect your heart and guide you through these times. Don't forget about your goals for the year. We only have a few months left! You can DO IT!!
