Fall is on it’s way and kids are heading back to school! Time for routines and the sounds of recess on the playground. Did someone turn on the Chaos Button? We’re moving at the speed of life. Where is the slow paced life portrayed in Andy Griffiths, Mayberry? –If it wasn’t for my phone camera, I would have forgotten the cool trip to the Auburn Cord Duesenburg Automobile Museum.
Speaking of Chaos
This summer came and went. What happened? I blinked and it is gone! I took some time off from writing to relax and reflect but ended up being busier than ever. Too many things distracted me and pulled me in to other things and I forgot that I was supposed to be relaxing. Shoving everything into 3 months is exhausting. Can you relate?
I’m a list maker, so I made lots of lists and checked them off. Now, if only I could remember everything I did, because I didn’t feel like I was really present at much of it. There’s got to be a balance to life so we don’t miss it. Take a step back and re-evaluate what you are doing. It’s ok to say no to things. Everything doesn’t have to happen and get done today, because there’s always a tomorrow.
Be Present
Slow down and take in every moment you can with those that you love, even if it’s just sitting in the same room and watching old reruns you’ve watched dozens of times. Time together is priceless!
We don’t always have to be moving at the speed of life. Be present with each other in the moments you have. Appreciate every single one. Be a little more selective and intentional about the things you want to do and accomplish. Bring back board games and cards, conversations and family dinners on Sundays. You don’t have to do things that cost a lot of money. Just keep it simple, but make it matter. Life together is precious.
It’s all about relationship. In the midst of all the chaos this summer, I made some time to be with Jesus. I went on a spiritual retreat. Just three days of focusing on Him. When He is the center of it all, life is a manageable pace, stress and anxiety are replaced with peace and joy, even in difficult times. It’s called grace and God gives it in abundance. When we are in chaos, and life seems to be a mess, we aren’t living in his will for our lives and so we must re-evaluate, take a step back and try to figure out just what we are doing and pray for his guidance.
Good to Be Back
It feels good to get back to writing and encouraging you to live life to the fullest, because it is a reminder for me, too, to slow down the speed at which we are living this life and be intentional about our choices. Be present with those you love and love those that God gives you the opportunity to share your time with.
As always, make it a habit. Put it in your planner. Write ‘Be Present’ or ‘Intentional’ at the top of the page on your calendar as a reminder. I actually have reminders set on my phone to go off during the day to help me.
Thanks for following along. I appreciate you!
God bless. –Barb
You hit it on the nail barb. Where did the summer go! Fall is my fav so I am ready