As this year fades into history, I’ve been thinking about my New Year resolution. Unlike past years when I’ve concentrated on three or four, I only have one for 2012. It’s simple and probably sounds cliché. I’m going to live each day as if it were my last. Before you roll your eyes at the piety of my goal, it’s not what you may think.
When I was with an elderly gentleman during his final days, he cautioned me that life goes fast until you’re 30. Then it flies until you’re 50 and in a blink you’re 90. Like so many of my patients, he didn’t have regrets about not “achieving success”. He said the one thing he would do differently is that he would simply appreciate the small things more and not take everyday joys for granted.
Last week, I was with a young mother who only has a few weeks left. Through tears she said she wishes she had more time to hug her children. She didn’t want time to sail around the world or make a name for herself. She shared that the thing she is going to miss most is her sons’ smiles.
So for me, it’s no longer about a lofty spiritual goal or making an unforgettable memory. Instead of coming up with a list of changes I’m going to make or the great things I want to do for God, I’m simply going to bask in God’s love and grace as I appreciate the little things.
I want to savor the daily routine, what seems mundane. I want to relish the laughter of my children, cherish time with friends and treasure the closeness of my mom, sisters and brother, because life is fragile. Life is short.
In 2012, I‘m going to value the small things as if it's my last day because it’s all the seemingly insignificant stuff that makes this life so amazing.
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| Katie with her cousin, Ali |
Susan,
ReplyDeleteYou have such a huge and loving heart to nourish and comfort the lives of those you deal with everyday. I am sure you are fed too, as you embrace and listen to these loving individuals. Blessings to you as you capture each day with all God's grace and love and see every miracle of the moment! :)
Wishing you and your family a joyful New Year of memories, health, and happiness! :)
Denise
Susan, I'm right where you are. Instead of the big stuff, I'm focusing on enjoying everyday life to the fullest. Yes, I do have things I want to change or improve in 2012, but I've lived long enough to know that change comes via how I live the everyday moments more than through big resolutions and life overhauls.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful reminder to be grateful for the smallest of blessings...Thanks for challenging me to be thankful for each new day....
ReplyDelete"Instead of coming up with a list of changes I’m going to make or the great things I want to do for God, I’m simply going to bask in God’s love and grace as I appreciate the little things."
ReplyDeleteI love this. Your words echo my heart. May I join you in this journey of savoring each moment He gives?
I'm so blessed to have "met" you this year via blogging. I look forward to reading and learning more from you in the coming year.
Your post has touched my heart....It's so easy to get caught up in goals for the new year that we loose track of the most important goal "focusing on God" and letting Him reveal the moments He creates for each of us.....
ReplyDeleteI can tell you have a huge heart because it reveals itself in this post.....
I look forward to visiting you often during the new year....
Susan, My 98 year old grandmother told me just last week that life goes by so fast. She's lived longer than most, but upon losing my grandfather, she realize how fast life had gone by. Cherishing the now rather than rushing through it is a wonderful goal!
ReplyDeleteApril
Susan, thanks for sharing this post. We all get so busy sometimes we forget to appreciate the things that mean the most to us in life. Celebrating our family and the things God has shared with us in this life is our treasure. Making Him known to others is one of my main goals besides treasuring my family and friends. Thank God for His blessings.
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