One thing that we should put an emphasis on in life is that we should enjoy each new day that we are lucky enough to have. There are many people in this world who go through their days as if they are in a race to get it over and done with and while they may accomplish all that was on their schedule, they really did not enjoy the day as they should have. What we must remember and keep in mind is that we will not always have the privilege to do the simple things that many times we take for granted and that is why I believe we should take a little time to “Stop and smell the roses.” How do we do that? We do so by simply enjoying the beauty that surrounds us. We can take a stroll through the park on a nice spring or summer day. We can visit with friends and family that we don't see often, we can treat ourselves to some ice cream and in our minds eye feel like a kid again. Whatever the treat may be, it should be utilized to the fullest. (Proverbs 10:22)

It is the regret of many who didn't realize how short life was that did not take the opportunities that were available to them to enjoy their life while they had the chance. Let us not be in that category. Let us remember the brevity of life and enjoy ourselves as much as we are able to. Life shouldn't be so serious all the time. We can take a break to enjoy the presence of our loved ones, to share laughter with them, to enjoy their company and simply create an atmosphere of love that will be remembered in our hearts as well as in theirs. 

I encourage you to take a break from life once in a while and make yourself do something selfish for your personal enjoyment. Don't postpone it for a future date because it may never come, but rather use that opportunity and enjoy that moment as best as you can. You will be thankful after the fact and your memory will remind you long after it was done that it was well worth your time. (1 Peter 3:10-12)

I hope this message encourages and inspires your heart to take time for yourself enjoying life to its fullest potential.


FULLY PRESENT

Do you remember the story of Jeremy Bentham of London, England? He died in 1832 and left his estate to University College London. But he also stipulated that his body be embalmed, dressed up and brought in to preside over the annual meeting of university administrators. His preserved body is still there today, displayed in a glass cabinet. And it is apparently still wheeled into the annual meetings. For years, the secretary of the board added to the minutes of each session, “Jeremy Bentham, present but not voting.”

I've known people like that -- present but not voting. Too often, I am one of them. These people are alive, but they are not really living. As Benjamin Franklin may have put it, they died around 25 but won't be buried until they are 75. They live without passion. They seem to have forgotten what thrill and wonder life can hold. They get through each day, but seldom experience anything like deep joy. They're alive, but barely.

Jeremy Bentham, who every year is present but not voting, reminds me of a story from Jewish humor. A widow spoke to friends about her departed husband. “Sidney thought of everything,” she said. “Just before he died, he called me to his bedside. He handed me three envelopes. 'I have put all my last wishes in these three envelopes,' he said. 'After I am dead, please open them and do exactly as I have instructed. Then I can rest in peace.'”

She explained the contents of the envelopes. “The first envelope contained $5,000 with a note: 'Use this money to buy a nice casket.' So I bought a beautiful mahogany casket with a soft lining. The second envelope contained $10,000 and a note: 'Use this for a nice funeral.' So I used it for flowers, food and music. I know it would have made him happy.' The third envelope contained $25,000 with a note: 'Use this to buy a nice stone.'”

At that point, the widow held up her hand and pointed to her finger, adorned with a lovely diamond ring. “So, do you like my stone?”

It Was a nice stone. She knew that life was for the living.

Diamonds are not exactly my idea of living fully, but the story makes a good point. I want to do my best to enjoy life while I have it.

I think actor Maurice Chevalier had the right idea. He once said, “I never eat when I can dine.” Do you know the difference? Eating is doing the necessary. Getting it done. I eat because I am hungry, then I can get on with what I was doing. Or I eat While I'm doing something else - like writing or driving or watching television. If there is any pleasure to be found in the meal, I likely don't notice it. My attention is on something else.

But dining is different. Dining is the Enjoyment of eating. When I dine, I pay attention to what I am doing. I taste the foods - I savor them. I notice the differences between flavors and I eat more slowly. I also pay more attention to the people who are sharing my meal. I interact with them. I am fully present during the meal and I may even reflect back on it later in the day. I admit, I eat often, but I don't dine nearly enough.

I want to dine more and eat less. I don't want to just show up for life; I want to be part of it. I want to worry less about such things as where I live, and more about living where I am. And at the end of my life, I want to say that I always tried to be fully present.

By Steve Goodier


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Proverbs 9:10-12 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone.”

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; "that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”

Hebrews 13:5-6 “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'”

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.”

All scriptures can be found in the New King James Version. 


Today's Selected Poem: I REFUSE TO BE DISCOURAGED
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem25.htm 

Today's Selected Testimony: THE LORD ALWAYS PROVIDES
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony184.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry