As you continue to rush around in an attempt to finish up your holiday preparations, remember to take some time to enjoy the REAL MOMENTS that life provides. It can be hard during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to take time to experience everything, instead of trying so hard to get everything to be perfect. I want my family, my kids, my friends all to be happy and fulfilled. So I create these expectations in my own head that in many cases are unrealistic and then am sad when things don’t turn out as planned. Can you relate?
As I was reflecting this week I relished in a few REAL MOMENTS from years passed. Though brief, these moments reminded me of the true meaning of the holiday season. Enjoyment in life is not about the decorations, shopping, or presents, but being open and present for those REAL MOMENTS that arise. These moments happen every single day. I have been able to see and experience God in the spirit of each one of my family members in these REAL MOMENTS.
Here’s an example from a few years ago… I took one hour off work to watch my youngest son swim. I brought a pad of paper to do some work while I was watching. It’s such a busy time of year, so I thought I would multi-task and use my time wisely. But then I saw his cute little wet face pop out of the water. I watched him see me and wave to me. In that moment my heart wanted to be with just him. So I put down any planning thoughts and decided to just sit there, watch, and observe him swim. I am usually a DOER and not a WATCHER, so this was an out of the ordinary experience for me. He was so joyous in his movements in the water. Even though I was observing him through a window, I could almost feel his positive energy wanting me to just be present with him. It was incredible.
Think about your own lives. What REAL MOMENTS have you experienced with your loved ones? It can sometimes feel easier to enjoy REAL MOMENTS with your children, especially the younger ones who still have this sweet innocence, but sometimes its harder to pay attention to the REAL MOMENTS with our spouses or partners. Take that time, look harder. When you don’t have expectations and aren’t looking to create a moment, GOD creates the REAL MOMENT to experience.
I encourage you to sit back, relax and ENJOY the REAL MOMENTS this holiday season. From what I have experienced, sometimes its the things that we don’t plan, where we allow ourselves to be still and see the spirit of GOD in one another that enable us to experience REAL MOMENTS.
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future full of hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
May you all have a blessed and Happy Holiday and a Wonderful New Year!