Where Did This Month Go?

 “Be very careful, then how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”  Ephesians 5:15-16

As a new month begins, I become reflective about the past month and how the days were spent and did I live fully into those days.  I keep a journal and write down the highlights of each day, and then at the end of the month we review the month and the memories.  Time seems to go by quickly, and sometimes we forget all that we have enjoyed and experienced.

July was the 250th Anniversary celebration of our country.  Many of you watched parades and fireworks.  You may have attended a historical event, prayed for our country, recited the pledge of allegiance, or listened to patriotic music.  In some form, you celebrated the birth of our nation.  July is also my birthday month.  I celebrated with ice cream! 

My July was filled with counseling, bike rides, baking chocolate chip cookies, ice cream socials, funerals, visits, siblings’ lunch, cleaning windows, sorting memorabilia, phone calls, writing, laundry, worship, running, devotions, and the list goes on.  I know where the month went when I read through my calendar.  There were needed tasks to be completed and additional cleaning and organizing chores added.

When you are asked, “So, what have you been up to lately?”  What is your response?  Do you respond that you have been busy and describe the tasks that you have completed?  Our focus is usually on what we have accomplished.  Being busy is celebrated in our society, but busyness is not always healthy and how life is to be lived.  Do you ever respond that you enjoyed some rest and time with those you love?

I have always been a list maker and a task accomplisher.  I feel good about marking items off the list but invariably the tasks need to be repeated and the list is never finished.  Recently, we did a task focused week and wrote down what needed to be completed.  We did the list, but we also enjoyed time in between the tasks like bike riding, eating out, time with family and friends.  Tasks are important, but there needs to be a balance.

So, I am trying to change my focus from tasks to experiences, adventures, and relationships.  When I reflect on the month of July with the focus on relationships, my heart is full.  I celebrated the life of two dear ladies in their nineties with gratefulness for their legacy and love.  I am thankful I had the opportunity to know them and their influence lives on in my life.  I am grateful for time with family and friends and to linger in conversation with my ninety-something friends.

Adventures and experiences are what make memories, not usually the tasks.  We biked over 350 miles around our area and enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation.  We took advantage of the beautiful days and even the clouds did not deter us from riding.  Sometimes, the simplest of things, brings joy and fulfillment. 

I visited a dear family friend twice in July, and through my time with her and our conversation, I learned more about my mom and my grandma and felt closer to them.  I listened to another elderly friend tell stories of his life and I felt blessed to know such a gentleman.  I spent a day with my 10-year-old niece and guided her through some of the history of my family and the foundation of our faith.  She experienced her history and heard the stories as we visited the cemetery, the family church, the hospital, and explored the town and hid little Jesus’ all over the area.

I had the opportunity to preach at The Old Mission Church in my hometown one Sunday morning.  The church was the first Methodist Church to the Wyandotte Indians.  It has been restored.  It is a humbling experience to preach and worship where the early Indians first received the message of Jesus from the missionary, John Stewart.  It is amazing history that you can miss when you do not focus on the adventures and experiences around you.

Yes, tasks need to be completed, but do not allow this, new month to go so quickly and pass by without enjoying some adventures and experiences.  Make the most of every opportunity God gives you to enjoy His creation and to listen to the stories of those around you.  Make the visit.  Bake the cookies and share them with someone who needs a conversation.  Get some movement if possible, too.  Enjoy the simple things of life.  Find joy and fulfillment in life.  Don’t let it pass you by.

Make the most of every opportunity God gives to you.

Check out my past blogs, newspaper columns and books on my website – www.livinginthedifferent.com