Savoring the Moment

My whole life I have known of the adage: “The past is already gone, the future is not yet here. There's only one moment for you to live, and that is the present moment,” yet I haven't lived it. It feels as if I am always either dwelling on the past or yearning for the future.

Often times, I find myself  "mourning" my past. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I work with high schoolers which trigger fond memories of my own high school days--memories of friends, sports, clubs, activities, pranks, and no financial obligations. My Facebook addiction which lands me perusing old photos and "stalking" my college friends also leaves me longing to return to college--a time of discovery, a time spent establishing new, amazing friendships, a time spent playing collegiate softball, a time spent discovering true independence.

Other times I feel myself anticipating and longing for the future. I tend to fall into the mindset of "if I only had this I would be happy,"--if I were only thin...if I only owned a house...if I only had nice furniture...if I only could get the cabinets replaced...if only we were out of debt...And if it's not desiring something, it's looking  to the next milestone and focusing so hard on accomplishing that passage to the next step, that I miss some of the joys in the present--I can't wait until I graduate from high school...I can't wait until I graduate from college...I can't wait until I get married... I can't wait until I get a job...I can't wait until I get a house...I can't wait until I have a baby...etc, etc.

However, lately, as I look back at the photos we've taken since I've vowed to become a better at documenting, I've realized this chapter is pretty great:

We are so happily married with the best dog in the world (I may be a bit biased)

We get to do fun, spontaneous things, like Rainier's games

We have an adorable baby nephew, who won't be a baby for long. I can't believe he is 8 months already!

I have amazing students that I get to spend lots of time with. Like the time I went to a graduation party and they pressured me into karaoke. It was so sweet that they cared...but NEVER AGAIN ;)




I have life-long friends whom I cherish and with whom I can go on awesome adventures.

Aaaaaand this one speaks for itself...

This present moment in time is pretty amazing. I have so much freedom to do whatever I please, and spend that time where ever and with whomever I please. Even though, at times I feel so overwhelmed by all of the activities and commitments I have, I am so glad to have such a full, active life right now. I am  so blessed. So when I start to feel the niggling thought "if I only..." or "I wish I was still..." I will stop and remember,  “The past is already gone, the future is not yet here. There's only one moment for you to live, and that is the present moment” and also, "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."