It is a beautiful sunny morning with promises of perfect temperatures. My plans are set for a packed Saturday…a run with a new friend, helping plant flowers, relaxing by the pool, and dinner with a treasured friend. I’m already looking ahead. But right now I am reminded to be still and enjoy Your beauty. I’m relaxing outside while the air still smells new and untouched. The birds are slowly waking up and chirping each other’s wake up call and, as it rises, the sun warms the side of my face. Ellie is content curled up at my feet while Lilly busies herself with a ball. The trees, grass, and flowers have all exploded in beauty. New and fresh. After an afternoon of being filled with teenagers, water guns, dogs, and one happy little girl, the pool is back to being peaceful and still. I wish I could bottle this up. I wish I could sit here forever, but…time moves on. In a few moments it won’t be as peaceful- lawnmowers will start humming, drowning out the chirps of the birds. The sun will rise higher so that I’ll have to squint. The warmth of the sun will intensify and steal the “new morning” smell from the air, and the dogs will become restless as squirrels scamper across the yard.
Help me to stop. Remind me to enjoy the time that You give me. Each moment, each creature, and each relationship is a gift from You. Please don’t let me miss little blessings from You in the “right now” because I am so often fixated on the “what’s next” or “what ifs.” Remind me to sit. To be still. To “enjoy the moment.” Thank You for how You lavishly pour out Your love on me through Your presence, through Your creation, and through relationships. Give me eyes to see each blessing-big or small-and each undeserved gift that You shower on me. Help me to honor You as I receive them.
“The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease. For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23