My day definitely didn't start so well. It was quite comical actually. Well, I can say that afterwards. As I was arriving at work and the kids and I were getting out of the truck, I happened to knock my Starbucks while getting Kirra's backpack. My (extra hot) hot chocolate was full and as it was bumped spilled all over the side of my pants. I tried the best I could to clean it up but it was uncomfortable. As I proceeded to walk Kirra to Before Care and get to my morning devotions (and I was not as early as I had hoped) I almost slipped on some melted snow in the hallway. I didn't fall. Although some may have thought that comical. As I caught myself, my drink spilled. Yes, again. This time, on the floor that I needed to clean and on my arm. What a mess I was! Thankfully, I made it to devotions (although not on time) and then ran home after to quickly change as I had a couple of interviews and wanted to be presentable. I know - first world problems. During the occurrence, I wasn't upset and did have a laugh to myself. And I reflected on the fast pace of life and this day called Blue Monday.
My life is often hectic and fast paced. As I think so many women with children might agree. And those who are working moms would especially agree as they try to find balance between work and family. And sometimes I find my head spins as I have so much on my mind...reminding kids to have everything they need for the day as we head out the door for school, ensuring I am ready for the meetings scheduled, many tasks both planned and unplanned, getting the kids to their activities, helping them to complete homework, supper, and bedtime routines. Sometimes it is all too much and I find that my head swarms and I can't even remember from one task to the next what was ahead of me. And then I STOP. I stop to gain composure. I stop because we don't stop often enough to appreciate the simple moments. We don't stop to enjoy life. And what would life look like if we did? What if we just stopped long enough to enjoy a meal together without the television on? To not rush our kids through cleaning up their rooms but instead joined them in the chore (speaking their love language)? Or to stop and just lay beside them at night and BE. To just BE ALL PRESENT. I know sometimes that seems like the last thing we want to do but I think if we did it, we would find true value in it.
A devotion I was reading the other day by Rick Warren spoke about enthusiasm.
"Nothing great is every accomplished without enthusiasm." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
He referenced the above quote and about how striving to accomplish goals means you have to have passion and enthusiasm. This isn't an enthusiasm that is short lived but a way of living. I do agree that is true. However, when I look at it in the context of slowing down. Of finding complete and absolute JOY in just BEING, in BEING PRESENT, I think that changes. You don't always need enthusiasm to just BE IN THE MOMENT. You need to set your mind on the little things that matter and in that - GREAT things can be accomplished. It is in spending quality time with your children and building the lasting memories of doing so. It is in being there to talk through the issues they are thinking and facing. Supporting them and building the relationship and trust. A great thing that will payoff in the future. But I guess even in being present there is enthusiasm and passion in wanting to build those relationships and speaking into the lives of your children to help them grow to their fullest potential.
I hope that each of you is able to live beyond Blue Monday and to be enthusiastic about life. Warren mentioned that the word enthusiasm comes from the Greek word en theos which means "in God." When we are "in God," spending time in His Word, we develop a deep relationship with Him that can bring enthusiasm into our life and transcends the circumstances and ways of the world. If you are struggling today with the blues or it goes even deeper than that, I pray that you can reach out to those around you and seek help to overcome.
Be present today. S l o w . . . your pace. Choose JOY. LoVe. Be passionate and enthusiastic in Him and for Him!
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord." ~Romans 12:11
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