There is nothing harder to learn than slowing down – especially it seems for us mommas. This time has been a gift to me. I have a realistic question I want you to consider as we move forward.
“If today was the last day of your life would you want to be doing what you are about to do today?”
Yes, we must do certain tasks that of course we would forgo if we truly knew we were dying today.
So maybe the better question should be,
“If you knew you had 3 years until you were leaving this earth,
what would you pursue or spend your time doing?”
Would you chase your tail pleasing people that won’t even remember you? Would you say “yes” to every opportunity offered you? Would you write the letter, make the phone call or forgive the person that hurt you so deeply? Would you begin to be intentional with your days to leave a legacy – a heritage for your children and their children? This, of course, is the only thing that will last. What life lessons do you want to teach your children? What will serve them best if you were not around for their long-term future?
So, have I succeeded in depressing everyone?
This is NOT my goal!!! And if I did, I apologize. I was hoping to make you think…to evaluate. Have you resumed your FULL schedule? Is the rat race back? How have you handled this new transition. As we move back into “normal”, what do you want your life to look like and be like moving forward? What are your priorities? What are your family values? Where will you spend your time?
YOU get to choose!!!
Today is Father’s Day! As if everyone didn’t already know that. I am sitting in the midst of sorrow and joy. We did celebrate my precious husband who is building a legacy in our family each and every day. I also took time to think back on my precious daddy and all I learned from him in the time I had with him here on earth. Everything from peanut butter is a major food group to let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no” be “no”. He was a man of great faith. His character exemplified honesty, work ethic and a peaceful strength. It came from a confidence in the Lord. He had a true servants heart and used it to serve our family and his local church. But he is here no longer! Cancer consumed him in the matter of a year. One year! This is not when he nor any of us thought would be the end of our time together. I so dreamed of my kids learning from him and his example for many many more years. So now, just as I must pass along my faith in Christ and His sacrifice on my behalf I also must pass along the wisdom my dad taught me from his faith. This is how it works! We must continue to share our faith stories and lead the next generation to know and love Jesus.
If we remember death is looming, we realize we have nothing to lose (material goods don’t last)!
Slow dance
Have you recently slow danced with the love of your life?
Have you gazed into the sunset and thought of your blessings into the night?
Have you looked for the rainbow after the storm?
Have you recently followed a butterfly in flight?
Have you watched a child play on a playground – embracing their carefree fun and uninhibited joy?
If not, you better slow down! Laugh with them and be silly for a moment. For laughter is the best medicine.
Don’t dance so fast; time is short.
Do you run through every day on 2 wheels?
When you ask someone, ”How are you?” Do you even hear the reply?
When your day is over and you get to lay down, do tomorrow’s 100 to do’s rush through your head?
Read Matthew 6:25-34
Slow down! Don’t dance so fast!
Have you ever told your child, “tomorrow” and not seen their sorrow?
Ever lost touch with a friend because you didn’t have time to check in and say hi?
You better slow down; don’t dance so fast.
Time is short!
Remember…
When you run so fast to get somewhere, you miss the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift thrown away.
The time we are given is a gift from the Father above! James 1:17
Each day to be used wisely and cherished as it will never be gotten back. Psalm 90:10; Ephesians 5:15-16
Life is not a race – please take it slower!
Enjoy the dance! Hear the music before the song is over. Psalm 39:4; Matthew 25:1-13
We are not promised tomorrow my sweet friends. Psalm 103:14-17
Cherish and make the most of today! Psalm 90:12
I love you 1,000 elephants,
Tara