Live in the Moment

Twice this week I heard these words or read them: Live in the Moment. This is a skill I have struggled learning most of my adult life. By nature I am a planner and organizer, and I live by the calendar. I am typically looking in the future toward a goal I want to accomplish or that must be accomplished because of my career. I plan family celebrations and get togethers with friends. Most of the time my planning serves me well. The fruit of these labors are evident in my life. I have a successful career, a beautiful home, a close family, good friends....I live the American dream. All of this is a result of working a plan and a purpose and staying focused on the objective.
HOWEVER, a good life should be a balanced life, and it is equally important, I believe, to enjoy everyday life. It was my husband who role-modeled how to live in the moment (i.e. enjoy everyday life). He showed me how to slow down and take time to enjoy a sunset, a full moon, watching birds soaring above our house, squirrels preparing for winter, hummingbirds flying on our deck in search of their feeder, and sitting by a campfire to just watch the flame (no words have to be spoken). He also taught me the art of taking a walk without an agenda. To talk about anything that comes to mind or nothing at all. To just "be". My husband showed me how to turn off the outside world's noise, unplug, and listen to nature, to people and their concerns, to share experiences, to stop and give a hug or a kind word, and finally to love everyday life. I am reminded of something said in a sermon that impacted me and helped me to re-focus. This person said - we are human-BEINGS, not human-DOINGs. Let's stop doing something all the time and just enjoy being. Take some time this Christmas to stop, be quiet, and enjoy just BEING alive. Merry Christmas!