Just a Moment, Please!
Ever have a representative speak those words and it was way more than a moment until they returned to the call, or to the check-out stand? Moments are sometimes much longer than said, but they can be instantaneous in a “God” moment!
I was a “single” teenager (age 17), but in one, “I now pronounce you husband and wife” moment, I was a married woman. I was a happily married woman, and in one moment, when my husband took his last breath, I became a widow. I changed from checking the “married” box to the “widow” box.
I was a thriving widow, quite content with my singleness. Thirteen years later, I met a beautiful man and in nine months’ time, “I heard the words , “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Now I check the box that says “Married” again.
I know how a single moment can change everything. We will be attending a couples retreat next month. I’ve adapted quite well to becoming a married woman again. Lots of changes to my single routines. Lots of giving and taking. Lots of getting used to sharing and caring again. And, oh how sweet it is! If I had remembered this season, I might have wanted it more.
I have come to realize the importance of a moment. A single moment can change everything. The point I’m making today, is we only get so many moments. Our days are numbered. Psalm 39:4,5 says: “ LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a MOMENT to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”
The busier, more occupied with life that we are, the less we consider the “moments” and the less we consider that our days are numbered. I assure you, that changes when we experience a “loss” of that someone who made up the most significant part of our life. AND, when our life includes a new significant other. That’s why I was inspired for this post/blog today.
Once we realize that our days are numbered, it changes (or should change) how every moment of every day should be valued, appreciated, and never taken for granted. It changes how we look at things like stress, money, relationships, the use of our time, and what’s most important.
When that reality becomes a major part of our personal value system, we look at life differently. It makes us feel more deeply, love more completely, forgive more readily, overlook others’ faults unconditionally, and live life to its fullest more vibrantly.
The present moment holds infinite riches beyond our wildest dreams but we will only enjoy them to the extent of our faith and love.
Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6: “Look at the birds of the air.” “Consider the lilies.” Our Creator gave us the answer from creation — simply being present in the moment, where we are, and where God is.
Recognizing that our days are numbered, and every moment is fleeting, it makes us very aware of keeping our priorities on all that matters most. Life is this very moment. We are guaranteed no more and no less.
I suggest we all love deeply, give greatly, laugh freely, and live largely. After all, we only get so many moments! Perhaps, this is the MOMENT for which you have been created! Don’t miss it!