Moments

Today, my sweet grandson experienced his first snowfall.

By “experienced,” I mean he actually watched the snow fall through the window; noticed something new was happening outside; and showed excitement and wonderment as he saw the ground turning all white. He was filled with glee as he watched his puppy dog enjoy the snow for the first time. His sweet mommy allowed him to go outside and experience it first-hand. He was able to walk around in it, feel it on his face, and reach for the flakes, as they fell.

I got to “experience” the above moments via technology: videos and photos.

These moments warmed my heart.

His beautiful blue eyes lit up as he watched the snow, felt it on his face, and tried to touch the flakes with his small mittened-hand.

I often forget how wonderful life is through the eyes of a small child. Pure happiness!

Life can drain me of my happiness as soon as I open my eyes each day.

I awake to an alarm at too-early o’clock every day. My mind immediately begins to run through my “to do” list before I even toss back the comforter. I burden myself with the endless expectations and responsibilities that await me before my feet even hit the floor.

Some days are more draining than others. As an introvert, I am easily drained by people – adult people. Adult people struggle with providing encouragement, positivity, and laughter. Adult people are awaiting my results in my never-ending, always growing “to do” list of expectations and responsibilities. Adult people can purposely treat me in unkind ways.

As an introvert, I don’t have “close” friends to lean on. I keep most of my thoughts, feelings, responses, and emotions to myself. I share them with my immediate family, from time to time, but mostly I share them with God through prayer.

When I pray, it keeps my inner voice in check. My inner voice is quick to remind me of all of my deficits, flaws, and daily responsibilities. My inner voice is quick to remind me of all of the negativity that awaits me outside my door.

When I pray, my inner voice becomes more light-hearted. It reminds me to be patient with myself, to pace myself with my “to do” list, to search out the adult people who need my assistance. When I pray, my inner voice reminds me all will be well, because God is already there.

Prayer allows me to have moments of pure happiness like my sweet grandson.

Prayer allows me to look at everything in wonderment as I experience it, first-hand.

I sometimes forget the wonderful moments awaiting me through prayer. I allow the negative moments to overshadow everything else.

In this adventure of life, it is easy to forget life is actually a gift.

We need to make sure we take time for moments of prayer. Those moments in prayer allow us to recharge and renew ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally so we can face the demands of the world again – appreciate life as a gift. Experience the wonderment of life like a child – with pure happiness.

In the Bible, in the book of Mark, Jesus understood the importance of solitude. He even took his disciples to a solitary place. He had been overwhelmed by the large crowds of people with pressing issues. However, after taking a moment for solitude, he saw the needs of the people and had compassion.

It is okay to take those moments for solitude, but don’t stay there – return to the needs of others with compassion.

Be ready to experience the world like a child – with pure happiness.

Thank you, Karsen, for my reminder today!

~ Jan 💓