Yesterday, we celebrated my mother’s birthday. She requested I make my famous pizza (recipe may be coming soon). As I stood in the kitchen assembling the pizzas for the family to eat, I paused.
There I was, in a beautiful home, with the ability and provision to cook a meal celebrating another year of my mom’s life. My 1-year old son was running around, healthy, adventurous and curious as ever. I had a job, clients for my side hustle and am currently in the prime of my life.
Realizing this completely overwhelmed me for the entire evening, right through our photo shoot, dinner and impromptu dance party to hits like Electric Slide and Macarena.
I am keenly aware that I have been given such incredible gifts, and far too often take those for granted. To echo David in the Psalms, the lines have fallen for me in SUCH pleasant places. Yet, I can get wrapped up in wishing, planning and hoping for the next season while neglecting the beauty of the here and now.
Can you relate? If you struggle to fully enjoy the present, here are a few tips for you:
- Daily list 3 things you are grateful for. Pick a time you will do this. It can be in the bathroom, during your lunch break or a group activity with roommates or family in the home.
- Intentionally spend 10 minutes where you disconnect from tv, music, social media and just be present in the moment. Increase this time as time passes.
- Ask God to give you the ability to delight in and enjoy your “now.”
In the minutes following that “pause” in the kitchen, I had the thought that these will be the good old days I reflect on in the future. Lord willing, I will one day sit with my great-grandchildren around me and talk about how their great-great-grandmother partied like it was 1999 for her birthday in 2020, how their grandfather ran around laughing with his adorable laugh and how I soaked up every moment while spreading peppers and pizza sauce on the crust.
May you feel the same and remember to be in the moment, and grateful for your everyday moments!
A Beautiful Life is Yours for the Taking 