Cherish the Moment
There are many stages in life that we journey through, each bringing its own lessons meant to shape us. I remember when my boys were teenagers, I would often reflect back to when they were younger. I would ask myself: Did I truly savor those younger precious years enough? Was I present enough with them?
When our children are small, we are the center of their world, the apple of their eye. There is no greater feeling than when those little feet run to greet you, arms wide, hearts open. I recently came across a quote that said, “Every parent of a teenager should own a dog so that when they come home, someone is happy to see them.” It made me laugh and then it made me pause. Because raising teenagers was so vastly different than the previous developmental stages. And it was a struggle for sure.
Although I knew my boys loved me deeply, they didn’t talk as much. It was no longer “cool” to hang out with Mom anymore. I’m no longer the center of their universe. And while I fully understood and accepted that they were growing up, it caused me to reflect deeply on how quickly time passed.
Back in those busy years, my husband and I were always doing something—just like many of you are now. We were present, we spent time together as a family, but still… there’s a part of me that longs to go back and move through those moments more slowly. To appreciate them with the wisdom I have now.
And this is the message I want to share with you today, whether it’s about your children or any loved ones in your life: savor the moment. Slow down. Be truly present. Focus on the person in front of you when you’re with them. Don’t let the chaos of life steal away the joy of connection, because time won’t wait and you don’t want to miss it.
There is so much wisdom that comes with age if we’re willing to learn the lessons offered to us. This is one I’d like to pass on. It’s not new, and it’s been written about many times before, but it remains deeply true: embrace the present moment. Be fully and utterly immersed in the experience of now.
Life is full of distractions. We all have responsibilities and obligations, but don’t let them come at the cost of your most important relationships. In the long run, those people matter more than any title, achievement, or possession ever will.
So, I invite you to pause. Look around. And cherish the moment.
