Anyone else worried life is passing you by, mowing you down, speeding along way too fast? You’re trying to do it all but scared you’re missing everything in the process? Well, buckle up, friend, because I’m right here with you, our hair is blowing all over the place, but we’re going to step on the brake and get through this. For me, everything changes NEXT WEEK so perhaps it’s panic mode setting in. Or perhaps I’m afraid that we are ALL in danger of missing the great things God has to offer in life because we’re all so distracted or just plain busy…
“You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing.” James 4:14 (MSG)
Oh, that’s so true, isn’t it? The wisp is wisping for me as we officially become empty nesters in a matter of days. It’s actually happening. And now more than ever, I don’t want to miss a thing. When we fly our youngest to University on the other side of the country, when we settle him in and leave him there to start his new, exciting chapter, as we arrive home to start ours… I want to be present. Whenever our adult kids come home for visits and we continue to make memories together—I long to be in the moment. Undistracted. Available.
“Life is precarious, and life is precious. Don’t presume you will have it tomorrow, and don’t waste it today.” John Piper
When we’re young, we have all the time in the world, don’t we? And then, in the family-rearing years-of-blur, we plan like it’s our job because we need structure to make all the things happen. Before we know it, we’re glancing in the rearview mirror and realizing there’s a heck of a lot of history back there and we’re not sure if we remember all the important moments. What did we miss?
In the blink of an eye, our children grow up. Trust me on this. One minute you’re helping them with their ABC’s and the next you’re helping them apply to University. A “wisp of fog”. And then we lament all the missed opportunities—the time we could have spent listening better, playing more, watching everything. Lots of grace required here—it’s formidable when we’re in the fray. But the good news is, it’s not too late.
We can all raise our hand and say we are not the best version of ourselves when we are stressed, overworked, and sleep-deprived. It’s not pretty on any of us. And usually, the ones who pay are the ones we love the most. So how do we make sure we don’t miss all the beautiful, vital people and experiences in our lives?
- What if we started counting our blessings rather than counting the days?
It’s so simple and yet we (I) so often neglect to do this: GIVE THANKS. When we adjust our way of thinking from “How many things are on my crazy to-do list?” to “How many things can I thank God for in my life right now?” it’s absolutely amazing how our heart rates slow down and we look at everything with a fresh perspective.
- What if we made the decision to be present rather than constantly craning our necks?
We can be so guilty of neglecting what and who is right in front of us right now and instead be always looking to the next goal, the next milestone, the next vacation. There’s a place for planning (I totally “heart” my bullet journal) but not at the expense of fully participating in today.
- What if we put down our phones?
I know this is a biggie. I’m so glad this wasn’t even a thing when I was a young mom because I get that the struggle is real. But for all of us, setting boundaries with our phones is crucial. And I do mean all of us (preaching to myself here!) I wonder how many first baby steps have been missed because of social media distractions? Conversations with tweens neglected? Craters created between husbands and wives? On the upside, I’m sure many milestones have been recorded thanks to our handy-dandy devices always at the ready! Pros and cons to be measured.
- What if we make time for God?
I don’t want to even think about all the wonderful times I have missed with the Lord because of my “busyness”. He should be our priority, but because he doesn’t nag or dump a heap of laundry at our feet or chirp at us from our phone, He so often gets relegated to the leftover time. If that. But part of living in the moment, enjoying the here and now, is having God in our everyday life. His Spirit within us, nudging our busy souls to stop for a minute and enjoy His presence, to look up and give thanks for the blessings around us.
Whatever season you are in, know that life is a whirlwind, a “mist”, and we only get this one precious opportunity to live it out. And to those who are sending their little ones off to pre-school or college or anything in between, know that you will still have plenty more memories to make. Be kind to yourself.
Stop long enough today to smell the roses—and the tulips and the daffodils.
Give thanks for now.
Appreciate the everyday graces, and life will be richer and fuller. Even if it is time to step into the next chapter…
P.S. Do you have a copy of my FREE e-book devotional from Proverbs 31? Sign up HERE for DIAMOND DEVOS 31… live out your purpose and passion with wisdom and strength!
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Such a wonderful post Laura! Our two young adults with special needs still live with us and I dread the day they won’t – I can’t imagine it and don’t want to even think about it! This is one milestone I’m glad I don’t have to share with other parents, to be honest. Because it will be so different for us when it does happen. But your encouragement to always see God’s blessings and be grateful for what’s going on in our lives every day is the best antidote to thinking/worrying about that day when it does come. So thank you for that reminder!
Hi Laurie, thank you so much for stopping by to share your story… yes, a very different one to mine. Like you, I can’t imagine. 💖 Yes to making the most of each and every day and embracing God’s blessings big and small! I so appreciate your encouragement— thanks, friend!
I can so relate to this. Our Son moved out a few months ago and anytime he stops by we STOP everything so we can be PRESENT. Like you said, Busy Is A Choice! Stopping by from By His Grace Bloggers.
Oh, I love that, Timberley! And I know he must appreciate that so much! Here’s to being intentionally attentive… 😊 Blessings to you!
Love this!! I have such a difficult time just slowing down and appreciating all the small moments. This is a great reminder for me today when I am just letting everything rush by. My kids seem to be growing up at such a rapid pace..it is so important to relish in every moment.
Hey Diane— thank you so much! Yes, relish every moment, for sure! It’s crazy how quickly time flies by. Count those blessings! 😉
This is so true. It goes by way too fast. Giving thanks, slowing down, and practicing being present are the best antidotes to missing out on the important moments with Him and with our families. Thanks for the precious reminder!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Sophie! Yes, these are great antidotes, for sure! I certainly need reminding constantly… 😊 Blessings to you!
This is a great reminder to not be constantly looking ahead and planning for the future! It can make it really hard to be present in the moment. Thanks for the lovely post!
Hi Jen, thanks so much for stopping by! Very true, and I am so guilty of the whole planning thing at the expense of the preciousness of today! Blessings to you!
Life is full of choices. I love to slow down and breathe deep. Just to remember how great life is. Love this post, Laura!
Hi Heather— thank you so much! Yes indeed— we always have the choice, right? Taking a deep breath and being still long enough to marvel at all the wonders around us is definitely a wise choice! 😊 Blessings!
This is SO encouraging. I have felt this way this year…and have maybe been a little anxious that time is passing way too quickly. But I am so thankful that I can rest in Jesus and find peace in the Word of God. I have begun not allowing myself to become so “busy”. This is a great article…thank you for writing it!
LaDonna | Faith Family and Miracles
Hi Ladonna— thanks ever so much! It can be stressful to watch the weeks and months and years pass by in a blur— but yes, finding our True North in the Word and resting in God’s sovereignty certainly helps! Love that you are cutting down on the busyness (easier said than done, I know! 😉) Blessings to you!
I love the reminder that we do have a choice and we need to choose well what we do with our time and our thoughts.
Hi Angela— yes, that choice is always there, isn’t it? 😬 Thankful for a gracious God who is awfully patient with me and my choices… Thanks very much for taking the time to stop by! Blessings!
So good, Laura! I’m so guilty of being preoccupied and not really being present and looking toward the next goal. Thank you for this timely reminder. My kids range in age from 16-2 (and one on the way), and I don’t want to have unintentionally wished away the time I have with them in our home!
Thanks so much, Sabrina. Wow, you are in a crazy busy season— but how precious! Enjoy every moment, friend, as it seems the busier we are, the faster time flies by! Thanks for taking the time today to stop by here… blessings to you and yours!
Great reminders to slow down and be present! My oldest is a senior this year and it was an eye blink that I was arriving at the hospital to be induced to have her.
Hey Julie— isn’t that the truth? I am totally reminiscing all over the place with my youngest flying the nest! Count those blessings! 😉 Thanks for stopping by, friend!
Laura, this is a wonderful post. Sharing on Pinterest and Twitter, friend!
Thanks ever so much, Sarah! Really appreciate the shares. Blessings to you! 😊
This was really good! I enjoyed reading it. As a mother of a young daughter, with the hopes of adding to our family, these are really good reminders of what’s really important! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Hi Melissa, thanks so much—I’m glad you enjoyed the post! Sometimes we all need that reminder to take a breath and take a step back to see the big, glorious picture! 😊 Blessings to you!
Loved your points, especially be present and quit craning our necks. Yes busy is a choice. I am with you. So glad there were no phones around when my kids were little.
Hi Theresa— so glad this resonated with you. The choice to NOT be busy is tough but always worth it when we see what may have been otherwise missed! Thanks so much for stopping by- blessings to you!
I love that quote from Lysa Terkhurst. Perfect. laurensparks.net
Isn’t it just perfect, Lauren? Lysa hits the mark every time! Thanks so much for stopping by— blessings to you!
So many great thoughts here, Laura. Being present and living in the moment is such a lesson that many of us need to hear again and again. I definitely want to do this: “What if we started counting our blessings rather than counting the days?”
Thanks so much, Lisa! Yes, I certainly need to hear those lessons regularly… 😬 We are works in progress, one and all. Blessings to you, friend!
Beautiful site, new Friend. I’m glad #LetsHaveCoffee brought us together. We are empty nesters, as I watched my baby sister send her first child off to college I realized I relive those first days of sending them off. It’s a difficult thing, but once you adjust, empty nesting is a sweet gift. Praying for you!
Hi there, Tammy— thank you so much! How lovely to meet you! 😊 And thanks for the reassurance from an empty nester that it’s all going to be okay… I appreciate your prayers! Blessings to you and yours!
This was amazing Laura. As a mom of three kids in pre-K, kindergarten and 2nd grade, I needed this important reminder. Thanks so much for your invaluable insights.
Hi Brittany—thanks so much for your encouragement! Glad it resonated. You are truly in the season of crazy busy, friend— blessings to you! 😊
And blessings to you also in your season of transition
Oh, thank you so much! ❤️