Special Moments

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 X

Joni 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.