Have you ever had a moment? Has life ever been so difficult you needed a moment? Moments are snapshots in time. They are unique from the rest of our life in how we remember them. Think back on some of your greatest moments in life. Maybe that was the birth of a child or the day you became debt free. Maybe you had a really big achievement at work, or maybe you got your best Fran time ever. Which is why you don’t do Fran anymore, cause like who needs the pressure? Life is really a collection of moments. Over time, who we are unfolds from the moments we live out. Here’s the challenge – are you present enough in your own life to really experience it? Instead of focusing on moments, too many people in this world are going through the motions. It’s easy to recognize the difference. At the end of the day, write down three things you’re grateful for. If you don’t have three new things every day, you’re going through the motions. And more than likely, you are missing the moment.
I can admit this. I’ve driven home from the gym before and realized while I was in the gym, I really wasn’t “in the gym.” I was doing the work, but not experiencing the workout. I was missing the moment. Here’s why this is so critical in our lives – moments create momentum. Those little snapshots of seemingly insignificant decisions can create a snowball effect. Going through the motions will never generate momentum. And momentum is a powerful ally in the transformation game. This is why great coaches celebrate little wins. We know those small victories can become catalysts for massive life change. We point them out to athletes so they will “tag” those moments in their own minds. When they hustled back to their barbell to get one more rep before time expired, that moment generated some positive momentum. What moments are generating momentum in your life right now? Are you present enough to also see them in the lives of your friends and family?
We’ve all got room to grow in this area, including me. We can always be more mindful and present in our day. But to do that, we’ve got to fight the distractions pulling us away. For some of you, that may be your phone. One of the things that breaks my heart is seeing a parent pushing a kid on the swing while looking at their phone. They don’t realize one day those moments will be gone. The days of reading bedtime stories or tuck ins or late-night ice cream runs will come to an end. While I love technology, it becomes a distraction when it gets the wrong priority in our life. Instead of living into our own moments, we get sucked into scrolling through everyone else’s. If you want to see how big a role technology plays in your life, unplug from it for 24 hours. What distractions keep you from living in the moment? Are you able to see them coming?
2021 can absolutely be your best year ever. I believe in living a life where every year you can pursue more purpose and greater fulfillment. I believe there is a God who loves us all so dearly, and every year you can experience more of His grace and goodness. Remove the distractions, resist going through the motions, and commit to being present in every moment of your life. You’ll never regret it.
Questions for reflection:
What moments are generating momentum in your life right now? Are you present enough to also see them in the lives of your friends and family?
What distractions keep you from living in the moment? Are you able to see them coming?