Press Pause
You are more than likely getting ready for a Thanksgiving celebration for tomorrow with pies in the oven and plans for turkey, dressing, and sweet potatoes. It seems like everyone is in a frenzy to get through Thanksgiving so they can start the Christmas decorating. (And I know many who have already started.) Everyone is rushing around trying to have the perfect meal, best decorations, perfect gifts, or most wonderful holiday parties and putting so much into these things that the enjoyment is lost along the way. As a society we put so much emphasis on spending and comparing our celebrations and traditions with others, always trying to be better than our neighbor. We get wrapped up in all these things that we can even get stressed out and physically ill.
Do we put so much emphasis on having one perfect day that we forget to enjoy all the days in between? Do we focus so much on the next Thanksgiving feast or Christmas or birthday party or wedding or vacation that we are overlooking the beauty of today?
Make yourself stop and enjoy this moment and this day. Worry less about getting everything perfect and take time to appreciate the gift you have of right now.
What are some ways you can do this? Pause and enjoy a sunset with your husband. Make a cup of hot chocolate for you and your child. Sit in front of a fire and listen to music. Bundle up and enjoy a leisurely walk.
We are never promised tomorrow. In James 4:13-15 we read:
“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”
We need to make the most of each day and realize the gift of every day instead of rushing around planning for the “perfect holiday” when today is a gift. Press pause today and enjoy today rather than being so focused only on the things of tomorrow.
Have a day of blessings!
Perfectly said, Bethany. We do rush through all our days, and forget to enjoy today, but always looking ahead. I make an effort to make sure what I open my eyes and enjoy every.single.day.