The past several weeks, I’ve been reminded again and again of how so many of us tend to rush through the blessings of life in order to get to the next best thing. But… is it really the next best thing?
Consider the following-
A 5-year-old, experiencing her first “Polar Express Day” while wearing her pajamas to school, constantly interrupting each magical event to inquire when the next activity will take place.
A 14-year-old, sighing in frustration of rules and expectations, eager to be free from his parents and living on his own as an adult.
A 41-year-old, experiencing fatigue from raising a family with young children while battling issues with her weight, yearning for a time in the future when she is more physically fit and energetic.
But, as a 42-year-old, I can speak on behalf of the first two examples on why their thinking may rob them of the joy of the present:
As a 20-year kindergarten teacher, I knew that the 5-year-old girl would find no more pleasure or excitement in the next activity than the one she was previously experiencing. Thus, I encouraged her (perhaps unsuccessfully) to embrace the present and focus on the unique joy that each activity brought to her.
And as a home-owning, bill-paying, job-working adult, I know that the 14-year-old will eventually struggle with the realities of adulthood and will most likely yearn for the simpler times where his laundry was folded, his dinners were cooked, and all of his needs were ultimately met by others. But, since I am that 14-year-old’s mother, I know nothing and therefore can convince him of nothing.
But at only one year older than the last example, I consider my own negative moments- frequent at times- when I long for a quiet, peaceful retirement; or when my boys are grown and living on their own so I can “reclaim” my home.
But in those moments of longing, aren’t I wasting the precious moments I have?
My kindergarten classes keep my mind, body and spirit young. While I teach them, they teach me about resilience and problem-solving, while subtly reminding me of my own values and spirituality.
My two sons, while exhausting and occasionally infuriating, teach me about patience, love, and the unique bond of family. When they are grown and no longer living with my husband and I, I will deeply miss their presence. In fact, I doubt I will care whether or not my house is clean and free of clutter; my longing for my sons will most likely trump that unrealistic desire.
I read several quotes, and heard another on TV, that resonated with me as I ponder our tendency to rush through life’s blessings. I encourage you to read through them and consider them in your own seasons of life:
Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life.
Eckhart Tolle
Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air… It is not the length of life, but the depth.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Everything in the forest has its season. Where one thing falls another grows. Maybe not what was there before, but something new and wonderful all the same.
Bambi’s Mother in the movie “Bambi”
This holiday season, enjoy the moments.
Take time to experience the present moments in a new light- even things that may seem stressful or frustrating.
Each season of life brings its own blessings to those of us who open our eyes, minds and hearts to the lessons and gifts that living in the present has to offer.
Merry Christmas!
jennybeane.com 