Love the Moment

A couple summers ago, I was taking a lot of boat rides, and consequently spending lots of time in the sun. Towards the end of that season, I was sort of done with it. The boat was always fun of course, but as we drove the long way back on my last boat ride of the season, I looked ahead in anticipation for the bridge that marked our landing -- and a way out of the sun. Again, not that I didn't enjoy boating and all that comes with it -- I don't want to appear ungrateful to those who lent their time and possessions to provide our family with a little fun -- but I like to eat fried chicken, not feel like one.

But as we glided across the marshy waters, I caught myself. It's beautiful out here. The sun was shining, the grass was green and the air was moderately cool (especially for July). My family was with me and everyone had had a great day playing together, as well as a tasty lunch. The whole day was a real treat, and here I was looking forward to the end of it because I was uncomfortable. And so I forced myself to stop looking ahead and simply enjoy the moment I was in.

Not a bad place to cruise, huh?

I hate that I had to work so hard to do this, but I guess that is our spoiled reality. So I have to ask: how much time do we spend during our days looking forward to an ending? And in this mindset, how much time are we wasting that we could be enjoying? Not that everything is enjoyable all the time (like sitting at a cubicle or working on a car), but certainly there are enjoyable moments within those times, right? I find that even the worst jobs, I end up reminiscing about at a later date. Something about my office space, or a coworker-turned-friend, or the coffee breaks or the summer parties -- there is always something I miss. How do you know it's not the mundane moment you are in right now? Or the country song you are listening to that tells a story you might need to hear? Or maybe it is as simple as the sun shining through your window across the cube aisle and the trees swaying in the breeze behind the glass. Sure, they are beckoning you outside, but let the relaxation hit you. Or be glad that you are in an air conditioned cubicle when outside feels like the Sahara Desert.

No matter what it is, I implore you, Reader, to pause and examine the moment you are in. Slow down and force yourself to appreciate it. You will be glad you did.