And just like that, I’m 55!

Where Did the Time Go? Embracing the Moments That Matter

55 years. Wow. It’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed. I look back and realize how much of life I once hurried along. Come on, recess. Come on, summer break. Come on, graduation. Come on, vacation. Even waiting for the microwave to finish felt like an eternity. I was always rushing to the next thing, wishing time away without realizing how precious those moments were.

And now? Now, life feels like it’s moving faster than ever. My daughter just had my first grandchild (sweetest little girl in the world, my apologies to the rest of you, ha), and my youngest of four is heading to college in a few months – it seems we just got home from China, ugh! Suddenly, I find myself wanting to yell, “Whoa, slow down!” But the truth is, time hasn’t changed. It still moves at a steady pace—one second at a time, no faster, no slower. It’s me who has changed. The milestones are bigger, the days seem shorter, and the moments feel more fleeting.

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Living in the Moment

If I’ve learned anything over these years, it’s this: the key to a long and satisfying life isn’t found in wishing time away or trying to slow it down. It’s found in learning to fully live in each moment—whether it’s mundane, ordinary, or exhilarating.

We often think life’s best memories are found in big events: weddings, vacations, career milestones. But the truth is, the moments that shape us most are usually the small ones—the ordinary conversations, the shared meals, the everyday laughter. When we slow down enough to notice them, those small moments become treasures.

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Making Life Count

Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Numbering our days doesn’t mean counting them in fear of how few we have left. It means living them with intention and gratitude, knowing each one is a gift from God.

Here are three ways to embrace the moments that matter:

1. Practice Gratitude Daily
   Instead of focusing on what’s next, pause to thank God for what’s now. Write down three things you’re grateful for at the end of each day, no matter how small.
2. Be Present in Your Relationships (preaching to myself especially here. argh!)
   Time with loved ones is one of life’s greatest blessings. Put down your phone, ask meaningful questions, and listen deeply. Those moments build the memories you’ll cherish later.
3. Find Joy in the Ordinary
   Not every day is filled with excitement, but every day has beauty. The warmth of a morning coffee, the sound of your child’s laughter, or a quiet moment with God—these are the moments that make life rich.

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The Anthem of a Full Life

When my time here is done, I want to look back and say, “No, life didn’t just pass me by. I lived it, I enjoyed it, and I have memories to show for it.” God has blessed us with the gift of life and the people with whom we share it. Let’s not let it slip away unnoticed.

Wherever you are in life—whether your kids are young or grown, your career is just beginning or winding down—know this: today is a gift. Don’t rush it. Don’t wish it away. Embrace it. Live it. And thank God for the blessings He’s given you.

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Reflection Verse:
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

Let this be our prayer: Lord, help us to appreciate the moments You’ve given us. Teach us to live fully, love deeply, and cherish the blessings of each day.

#TimeIsAGift #SlowDown #LiveFully