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What is a special moment?
Recently, I had a discussion with acquaintances where the following question was posed:
“What is a special moment in your life?”
The responses they gave listed once-in-a-lifetime moments such as:
— When my child was born
— When I married my spouse
— When I graduated from school
— When I took the trip of a lifetime
Reflection and Revelation
When I went home, I had a discussion with myself.
Analytical Me: Do I live for those once-in-a-lifetime moments, and fail to acknowledge all the other special moments?
Thoughtful Me: I’ve wasted way too much of life just existing until the next once-in-a-lifetime moment occurs: the yearly writers conference, enjoying autumn leaves, the fan event where celebrities attend and I can get their autograph.
Analytical Me: Not to be critical, but three times a year may not yield the best quality of life. Do I want more than three special moments a year?
Thoughtful Me: Yes.
Analytical Me: Brilliant realization. What am I going to do about it?
Thoughtful Me: Acknowledge the other moments.
Analytical Me: What other moments in life are special?
Thoughtful Me: All of them. All 86,400 seconds of every day.
Analytical Me: Prove it.
Thoughtful Me:
— Waking from the unconsciousness of sleep in a warm, comfortable bed – in a home decorated the way I want, with a thermostat set to the temperature I like – in a safe neighborhood – surrounded by neighbors who help when I need it
— Able to see the world, and can see even better when I put on my glasses
— Moving and walking and strolling and striding and even skipping if I want
Analytical Me: Okay, I’ve made my point. I don’t have to list the thousands more.
Thoughtful Me:
But I do have to remember:
— If the car won’t start, I can call for help
— When the grocery store doesn’t have the brand of yogurt I like, there’s another brand, or another grocery store that does
— If birds roost above my patio and let loose an unwanted gift when they fly away, I can get my house pressure washed
— When I can’t retire at the age I want, I have a good job with supportive managers and co-workers, and I can save and look forward to a day when I can retire
Resolution
I can choose to exist while waiting for three special moments a year.
Or I can choose to find the special moment in each second of life.
Thankfully, I know which gives me a life worth living.
What ordinary moment is special for you?
Special Moments – What ordinary moment is special for you? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
I’m with you, Joni! My life is beyond belief busy right now, but I can choose to enjoy each moment I get with the people around me, and be grateful God supplies the energy I need to get it all done. I can’t even look ahead or think of what I would do if I had the time to do it. Because, right now I don’t. But if you check out the immediate world around you, there are some pretty awesome things.
Thank you for sharing, Jane. I hope your life calms enough so you can take a breath and enjoy!
Joni,
After coming close to death in 2004–LAD “widow maker” 99.9% blocked upon arrival at the hospital—even the moments that have brought me the most pain I’ve ever experienced in my life are worth it because they brought new life to so many aspects of my life. Every single second is a gift and an opportunity to do something to bring glory to my gracious and loving God. This is a good reminder to remember that!
Thank you my friend!!
Thank you for sharing part of your story. I’m so thankful you healed and are continuing to do what God wants every day. I appreciate you.