Our lives are moving at a quicker pace than they ever have. We have our to-do lists, our cell phone notifications, and overpacked schedules to keep us busy from the time the alarm sounds in the dark hours of the morning until late at night. We are constantly thinking towards the next thing.
It’s hard to slow down and appreciate the little things in life, yet this is exactly what is necessary for a healthy and balanced life. When we look at life as an experience instead of a destination, we can enjoy the journey so much more.
When I participated in the Eugene Half Marathon this Spring, I’m sure I would have had a much faster finishing time if I totally focused on pushing my body as hard as I could and didn’t look around to savor the atmosphere. I met a friend with a similar pace, and as we passed something interesting, I would say under my breath, “I always want to remember this.” She looked at me with an odd expression until I told her of my quest to enjoy the memories I was making step by step along race. She soon joined my glee as we witnessed someone playing a didgeridoo to cheer us on, a live pet duck sitting on its owner’s lap at the curb, the bright signs on poster board that encouraged us, and the beautiful Willamette River flowing under us as we crossed multiple bridges. By the time I entered the stadium that housed the legendary Hayward Field, where many Track and Field World Championships have occurred, tears escaped my eyes at the glory of the crowds cheering, the brisk wind, the blue sky, the worship music playing in my headphones, and the finish line stretched out before me. I savored it!
One of my favorite verses in the Bible takes place during the telling of Christ’s birth in Luke 2. In the midst of the birth of the Messiah, the angels’ chorus, the shepherds’ visit, and the animals in the stable, Mary took the time to savor the moment. She must have been exhausted from having her first child out of town in a stable with many visitors, but Luke 2:19 says, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
Let’s be like Mary and treasure and ponder in our hearts!
This post is part of a 31 Day Blogging Challenge entitled Embracing Fifty. Please click here to find all the posts in this series. You can find the work of more bloggers participating in this series here. You’ll be glad you did!
Julie, it seems in our busy lives we go from moment to moment so quickly we forget to ponder. I try to intentionally have at least one moment a day to “ponder” stuff – some of it I sift through some I keep tucked away. Good post.
I love to hear from other “ponderers.” Thank you for your support and leadership during the 31 Day Challenge!