Savor the Moments
I love photographs. They give us a snapshot of a moment and allow us to linger there awhile.
Part of my personal mission statement is to “savor the moments.” Throughout my day I intentionally stop and delight in a moment, a snapshot in time. When I do this, it slows me down to truly experience life and not zip past the treasures of everyday living. Why is this valuable and how can you teach yourself to remember to savor the moments?
In John Ortberg’s book, God is Closer than You Think, he says, “I believe that the greatest moment of your life is this moment right here. This tick of the clock. This beat of your heart. This moment is God’s irreplaceable gift to you. Most of all, this is the moment that matters because this moment is where God is.”
Stopping to savor the moments is kind of like looking into God’s eyes—really connecting with Him.
Try it right now. Wherever you are, stop and experience this moment. Look out your window and really notice what you are seeing and connect with it; or close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you; or look around the room at the faces of the people living life. Breathe in and drink in this very moment.
Here are some tips for helping you to stop and savor moments throughout your day:
- Place a bird feeder outside the window where you work, or where your computer is or where you do dishes. Choose a location so that when you hear the birds you will stop briefly and take in that particular moment of life.
- Light a candle. When you look at it, stop and really experience who you are inside. Be kind to yourself and embrace God’s work in you.
- Choose something to remind you to savor a moment. For example:
- Perhaps you drive past a pond, creek or river frequently. Every time you do, really notice it and what’s going on around you.
- Or, choose a particular door—the door to your workplace, the mall or your home. Every time you walk through that door, allow it to trigger you to savor the moment. Notice the sights and sounds, take a deep breath, and be grateful for life.
I invite you to savor these photographs and look out the closest window and truly experience a moment. Refresh. Connect. Breathe.
Kathy Butryn says:
What a lovely way to start my day! Thanks for the reminder Betsy…and the photos are stunning.
Carol J. Smith says:
Betsy,
I share your appreciation and love for nature and the simplicity of all of God’s gifts in the moment. I love your invitations to respond and share. Yes we do get to enjoy the blessings all around us all through out our days. My greatest moments are in nature, enjoying the sun rising and setting, the clouds, the trees and great sky expanse. It is also important to savor the conversations we get to experience with family, friends and strangers. So from beginning to end my moments of relationship with God first and others bring me purpose and value.
Karen says:
Betsy,
I have just had a “catch-up” day because I have been without my computer for 10 days. I opened your email, logged on the this blog, and was blown away by this ‘Savor the Moment’ concept!! I have been too busy to do that this day and now that I did stop to breathe in the blessing of today–I am so much more ready to embrace the rest of my list!!! I had not even stopped to be thankful that I have my computer back and that it is better than ever!!! I just rushed in, lamenting all that I had to catch up on!
Thank you dear friend for this timely and influential message for a sister who needed to slow down.
My prayers and blessings are with you.
Karen
Darlene A. Lund says:
Betsy,
This is YOU! This is inviting and inspiring! I desire to invite Him and your blog does that. I too appreciate your love of creation!
This a.m. the Lord and I had a moment with worship praise music and lifted hands to the KING right in my own foyer. Truly He saw and I was blessed as I celebrated the moment in and with Him.
Keep on dear one, He sees you!
Love,
Darlene
Charlyn says:
Your words and pictures are beautiful and encouraging! A goal God has given to me is to focus on him and his beauty. I woke up extra early one recent morning. I was a bit frustrated and wanting to enjoy some needed rest. A few moments later I found myself gazing at the most incredible full moon peaking through the palm trees in my back yard. This was a moment of awe, praise, and the realization of God’s magnitude–and yet how very significant that moment was–a beautiful moment with our Creator. I am so glad I got up early that particular morning. I am so thankful for your blog. As I read the your words–I once again focused as I did that morning. This is beautiful way to start my day!