Cherish Each Moment

I learned how to look at every task as a gift from God

July 9

Slow down, enjoy the moment, let God in. The first time God introduced this idea to me the kids were really little. I was managing our home and homeschooling our four children. Life was busy. My husband was busy building his career so most of the things at home fell on me. I had always wanted to be a wife and mother so I managed the weight of all that needed to get done fairly well. One day as I was getting the kids ready to go out, I lost my patience. I had given them plenty of time and reminders to go to the bathroom, make sure you have what you need, put your shoes on, etc. So when they were not ready to go when I was ready, I was not happy. Now we were going to be late, and I started to rush around finding shoes and whatever else they were looking for. I the midst of my frenzy, God spoke, “Slow down, enjoy the moment. They will not last forever.” I did slow down. I stopped worrying about being late. My heart rate calmed, my peace returned and we got out of the house faster than I thought possible. When I was acting hastily, things did not go well. More and more went wrong. So I stopped. When my selfish desires are more important than God’s will, things will not go well. God’s will was to be a patient mother.

That moment changed my life. I learned how to look at every task as a gift from God. Slow down and cherish each moment. I had laundry because God had blessed me with the family I had always wanted, and one day my laundry basket will be empty. Be thankful that it is full because my home is full. Instead of anxiously awaiting the end of a task, focus on the joy of doing it as well as I can. God is taking that idea of slow and intentional to a new level. Every task becomes an opportunity to share in the activity of God. Long-suffering becomes more enjoyable and I can be content with where I am yet moving toward the destination. With the pandemic of COVID 19, I don’t think life is going to go back to normal for quite some time. I have been struggling with just wanting my life back. And God is saying, “Slowdown. Enjoy the moment. Let Me In.” Instead of anxiously awaiting the end of this journey, find joy and contentment while moving toward the destination. God is at work. Join Him.