Monday, January 4, 2010

Cherish Every Moment


Although the descent down the hill lasted less than a minute, it could only be described as exhilarating! Sledding. Something I haven't done in more years than I care to remember. With cooler temperatures, some strategically placed snow machines, and twelve tubing lanes, the lawn at Stone Mountain (www.stonemountainpark.com) was magically transformed into Snow Mountain (www.SnowMountainPark.com).


A great day to make a memory as a family. This day happened to be extra-special as my Mom was able to join in on the fun. Arriving from Michigan earlier in the week, we convinced her to tackle the mountain of snow with us.


As we waited in line to enter the tubing area, we admired one another's snow gear: boots, hats, heavy coats and gloves. The brisk wind had convinced us that each of these items was a necessity. The clock read 7:00 p.m. when we entered the gates and were instructed to select a tube. We would be able to sled for two hours. With tube in hand, we stepped onto the conveyor belt that pulled us to the top of the hill. We stepped off of the belt and were ushered into a long line of people that snaked back and forth several times before heading up a ramp to the sledding area. Once in tubing territory, a friendly worker guided us to the next open lane.


Seated comfortably on the tube, having listened carefully to all of the instructions, the only thing that remained was the purposeful push that would send my tube speeding down the hill toward the finish line. With eager anticipation, I clung to the handles of my tube as I bounced and careened forward. I slid to a stop at the base of the hill, laughing out loud. I was transported back to my childhood, when my brother and I would spend hours sledding down the hill in our back yard until our fingers and toes couldn't take the cold a moment longer. We'd build ramps out of snow and have contests to see who could jump the farthest...Fun times! Back to the present.


As soon as everyone in our group had zipped down the hill, we took our places in line once again, dragging our ever faithful tubes behind us. Even though we ended up waiting in line about 20 minutes for every one run down the hill, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It was a blast!


Life is a lot like the sledding experience. Most of our time may be spent just 'standing in line,' so to speak - doing those routine things that don't seem to amount to much. We're constantly looking ahead in anticipation of those things that will 'Wow' us: graduating from high school, getting that first big job, finding the right life partner, buying the first house, having children, and the list goes on.


As we stood in line waiting for our next opportunity to slide down the hill on our tubes, I realized that the entire experience was worth cherishing. Not only the exhilarating seconds flying down the hill, but also the time spent waiting in line. It was the time spent waiting in line that provided us with the opportunity to talk to one another and make precious memories that will last a lifetime.


Every moment we're given in life should be cherished as well. James, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gave us excellent advice, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" (James 4:14, KJV). While it's wise to plan for the future, don't forget to live in the now. View each moment as an opportunity to live for the Lord. Solomon penned the following words in the book of Ecclesiastes, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest" (9:10).


With the beginning of a brand new year, I'm focused on making the most of the time the Lord allows me and cherishing each moment! How about you?

12 comments:

  1. Maria, I printed off a chronological listing of Bible today. I hope to read the Bible chronologically this year. But I'm not going to sweat it if I don't get through the entire Bible in one year as long as I keep my reading pretty regular and like you said, cherish my moments with God.

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  2. I've seen this advertised on tv and have been very intrigued. Snow in Ga? Who'da thought such a thing could actually happen? :0)

    It's great when waiting in line is a positive thing. It's important to look for that!

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  3. Maria, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the ministry you have here. You have blessed my spirit today. I thank God always for the way that He uses you.

    I will make the most of my time this year to bring God the glory with my life. Thank you dear friend!

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  4. Me too, treasuring all the times! Even 'standing in line' has a purpose.
    Blessings to you and your readers:)

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  5. Heather - You couldn't possibly have a better goal than cherishing your moments with God! I'm doing a read through the Bible program this year too - it breaks the Bible up into 7 categories: Epistles, The Law, History, Psalms, Poetry, Prophecy and Gospels. You read from a different category each day. I'm really enjoying it! God's blessings to you my friend!

    Kristen - This is the first year we've visited Snow Mountain. It was definitely worth it! It's actually open through March 7th, so if you get a chance to go, I'd recommend it! I'm going to remember your comment about waiting in line being a positive thing when I'm at the grocery store next time! You're a dear! :)

    Tamika - So thankful the Lord blessed you today through this post! May all the glory go to Him - He is so worthy!! God bless you abundantly this year! You're the best!

    Karen - Great way to look at it, "Even standing in line has a purpose." You're right about that! When I open my eyes and see things the way God would have me to, it's amazing how He can orchestrate the extraordinary from the ordinary! Thanks for being a faithful friend!

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  6. Maria this is my first time stopping by here.

    You have truly blessed me with your words today as well as some of your previous posts that I've been reading. My heart's desire is to cherish my time with the Lord. It is so precious to me.

    Thank you for being such a blessing.

    Vickie

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  7. Great analogy. We're waiting in that line for a 30 second memory right now... a new grandson. The pregnancy has been a journey, starting off rough, but smoothing out as we near the destination... any day now!

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  8. Thanks Maria, I used to not like waiting in line anywhere till one day I realised that I did not have to do it alone. I also have a reminder "You are at the right place at the right time". If there is nobody to talk to I pray! Thanks for the post it is the whole process that counts indeed. Bless you. :) xxx

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  9. Excellent post! I am just learning this lesson I think or relearning it. I was living for those wow moments and have come to realize the inbetween ones count just as much. Glad you had such a memorable day out!

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  10. Sledding is so much fun! And I love how you related it to life. Thanks!

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  11. Raymonde - Thanks for sharing your wisdom, "If there is nobody to talk to I pray!" Great use of time! God's richest blessings to you in the new year!

    Terri - I think it's a constant process! A lesson I'll need to relearn several times this year. I'm so thankful God's not finished with me yet! God bless!

    Jill - Thanks for popping in! Have a blessed day!

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  12. Vickie - Welcome! So glad you stopped by! Seems we're kindred spirits; I took a look at your site too and it appears that we have some of the same spiritual goals! I praise the Lord that He used my blog to bless you! Have a fantastic day and I look forward to getting to know you this year!

    Lily - Thanks for sharing your special 'moment'! I'll be praying for a safe delivery and a healthy baby boy!! What an exciting time in your life! God bless you!! :)

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