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My father had surgery this past Monday. It wasn’t a major surgery, but he had to remain overnight in the hospital.
Living in the Moment
Thursday evening, my kids and I went down to their house to pick blueberries. We have four bushes at home, but my parents own about 30 and the berries littered the ground, like an ocean of blue pebbles drifting at the trunks.
My dad insisted on coming outside to help my three-year-old and I pick berries.
“Are you sure you should be out here picking, Dad?”
His hands continued to pluck the round berries, his steady rhythm never faltered. “I spent two days laying in a bed. I know what it feels like to be old now, I don’t like it. Being out here, this is what I need.”
His words filtered through me, several thoughts pelted my mind. If I feel old for the first time at seventy-five-years, I’ll be doing good.
This could be the last year I harvest berries with my father.
As our fingers filled the gallon bags I asked him questions. We talked about his childhood, how he viewed things differently now than he used to. I immersed myself in his company, giving him my full attention.
When we filled the two gallon bags, he eased himself into his recliner. “I think it’s time for me to rest.”
We would all do well to take his advice.
If we don’t take time to rest, to be still, then we won’t appreciate life.
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
While gleaning the last of the blueberries from my own bush at home, my daughter came out and sat down on my lap. Dinner waited to be prepared, chores to be finished, but I took the moment to pull her close.
She told me about her new pretend house inside the grape arbor, her little girl chatter wrapped around my heart.
My father’s words echoed through my mind.
Take time to rest in the moments of life.
Cherish the little things. As I grow older, this brands itself upon my heart. Our time here on earth is so fleeting, let’s not live with regret or a someday mindset.
What are your most precious memories of your family? Have you ever missed something because you didn’t take the time to rest?
This post is featured on The Better Mom.
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This is such great advice. I find that when I truly just sit back and relax, letting go of every worry and need to do that I am able to reside in the presence of God and truly sit back and just appreciate the simplest things. As you said about your daughter’s chit chat, we can also find joy in their laughter. It’s easy to overlook the small things when we are so busy:)
Latoya, residing in His presence is the key. I’m always amazed at how I can forget that and how hard it is when I’m not there. Here’s to the simple found in Him!
You’ve struck a heart chord with me today. I, too, am learning as I age that resting in each moment makes life sweeter. My word for this year has been “Now.”… just live in this moment NOW. Just abide in Jesus NOW. Just enjoy the children NOW. So easy to say . Much harder to practice. Thanks for the encouragement today! I’m stopping by from the Better Mom! Blessings from a mom in Iowa.
Alicia, what a beautiful word, NOW! A mantra we should all shout and practice. Thanks for stopping by. I felt your blessing from Iowa here in my little corner of Washington.