This past weekend was epic.
We had two 60th birthday parties, one wedding and a 40th birthday party to attend, not to mention family lunches and dinners as well. There was family and friends from interstate and my sister from Canada visiting as well. It was busy, a little (or rather lot) crazy, fun and truth be told, quite tiring!
However amidst the busyness of it all, there were some really special moments that will stay with me for a long time.
Watching my mum hold hands with my little toddler as they walked across a field to pat a horse...
Knowing how nervous the groom was about making his speech, yet the love he had for his bride was so evident and felt by all, many of us couldn't help but shed a tear...
Watching two young sisters perform a song and dance routine for their mum's birthday, with the little one looking up at her big sister from time to time when she had forgotten the next move...
Watching the sky light up with fireworks with my love by my side...
Enjoying early morning snuggles with my toddler who is usually far too busy for this...
And catching up with an old friend who has now become a mum, sipping tea and sharing some highs and lows of this new journey that parenthood is.
Reflections
While I reflect on these moments, I am overcome by a feeling of absolute love and gratitude toward the people in my life and for my life in general. I am truly blessed and I only have these people and things in life because of the grace of God. I am reminded of Ecclesiastes chapter 3 verses 1-8 titled, "A time for everything." I am sure you are familiar with this passage of Scripture which states there is a time and season for everything.
As sad as it is to say but it is true nonetheless, we won't always have the people in our life here with us, we will have highs and lows and we won't understand some things that happen.
But what I am trying to do more and more is to savour each moment, to not get caught up in the "busyness" of it all that I miss out on the special, little moments that do happen and are what make life truly special.
Savouring the moment
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
I love this quote and after a little research it is believed to have originated in 1839 by the poet Philip James Bailey when he wrote the following;
"We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; in feelings, not in figures on a dial. We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives. Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best."
I am truly thankful for a loving God who wants us to enjoy life and to its fullest.
"I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil-this is the gift of God." (Ecclesiastes chapter 3 verses 12-13).
Jo Fuller is an early childhood teacher with degrees in journalism and education. She currently lives on the Sunshine Coast with her husband and baby son.
Jo Fuller's archive of articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jo-fuller.html