A few weeks ago I was walking and thinking how the day was a particularly cold day for November. It seems like fall passed us by in the blink of an eye. While walking to lunch, I overheard a group of guys talking. One stated that he hoped this summer would be warm because it seems winter is already upon us and he did not enjoy last summer. His friend looked at him and said, “just live in the moment man”. This made me pause, he was right. It is funny how something so simple as overhearing someone say live in the moment can bring clarity.
It is important that we all live in the moment. As soon as he said those 4 words I began to see my environment more clearly. I began to appreciate the cold air on my cheeks, the long deep breaths I was able to take with ease, the quickness in my step, and hard concrete under my feet. I began to notice the hustle and bustle of the city and pay close attention to the beautiful colorful coats, business suits, and people walking by. It is fall, I have my health. I began to think about my beautiful family and how my kids are thriving in this moment, what they enjoy, and the things they do to make me laugh. I started to look forward having a quiet lunch to reflect and write this post. I began to enjoy the moment of reflection and the presence of mind that God has given me in this moment. I began to reflect on my blessings, my health, and the now.
Too many of us are constantly thinking about what is next, next week, next year, 5 years from now. We dream of the perfect job we are working towards in the future, that perfect mate we will meet, the perfect children we will have. Maybe we dream of retirement. Whatever the idea, we are taught to think ahead, to dream big. But what about the now? What about what is happening right now? The truth is, none of us know what the future holds for our life or our loved ones. Today is all that matters. Yes, it is a good idea to plan for the future but it is also wise to breath in the moments of today. Look around you, what can you notice and appreciate in today?
