We all live for special moments in our lives. Birthdays, graduations, weddings, birth of a child … milestones everyone looks forward. I don’t have to guess that every little girl ever born dreams of her fairytale wedding. I certainly did. A beautiful gown, long flowing veil, surrounded by family and friends, and marrying her prince charming. We celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary this week … and we both forgot it.
It was our daughter who sent out a family group text congratulating us on this milestone that made us shake our heads in disbelief for forgetting. It’s sad to say that we let life get in the way of interrupting special moments and memories. What’s worse is we had both forgotten once before.
About 15 years ago we forgot our anniversary. We both showed up late in the day, on the same card aisle at our local Tom Thumb, each shopping for an anniversary card. That year, we picked out our respective cards and handed them to one another. Then we put the cards back in place and walked out laughing about how much money we saved. Well, this will not happen to us again! I have now put our anniversary on our iPhone calendar, along with all the other birthdays, important events, etc. Why didn’t I think of this before?
It’s important to celebrate good moments. It leads us to be grateful for everyone who played a part in that particular moment. It helps me remember those who are no longer with me, the happiness we enjoyed, etc.
I ask myself am I making moments matter? Am I living each day to its fullest? Wherever I am, I have the finite ability to make time count. What am I doing this year or next year that will affect my future?
I read Bianca Juarez Oldhoff’s amazing summary:
To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade.
To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a traveler who just missed a flight.
To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask the driver who just avoided a car accident.
To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the athlete who won a silver medal at the Olympics.
If life is a vapor as James 4:14 says, treasure every moment you have. It may not be your last lap, but live like it is and enjoy it!
“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14 (NIV)
