Walking Therein

Missing the Moments

This is from a favorite Email Newsletter of mine: Homeschool Marketplace.

When someone dies, often those left behind begin to remember the smallest moments they had experienced with this person, moments that they didn't recognize as being important at the time. Too often, it is only in retrospect that the real value of what was there - and what was lost – is understood as the miracle it was. Yet the mind records these moments, even while we might be unconscious of them at the time. This is why they can come to mind so easily when it's too late.

It is the moments we remember when it is too late. Too late.

Isn't this true? And, why don't we realize this when we are making decisions and going through daily life with them? Family is precious. Friends are precious. The relationship between a husband and wife, even when "complicated", is precious. Our children are precious, even when they are mean, rebellious and struggling. 

This article mainly addresses ambition, but I would like to pull it to just one of the paragraphs:

For others, it's not ambition, but problems, that dominate their attention and take them away from life. In the problem orientation, concern always leads to new concerns, and life seems as if it were in a perpetual problem state. Everyone has problems, but that doesn't have to translate into obsession. The old phrase "Slow down and smell the roses," seems like quite good advice after all. But it requires a different level of awareness. It requires being open to experiencing what is there to experience.

I am guilty of this, believe me. I had a dear friend tell me last week that she looks up to me as a mentor of sorts. YIKES. Me. Now I remember how Gena felt when she posted the same thing about being a mentor. YIKES again. What a responsibility. Me, who sometimes can't keep my mouth shut to save my life! Me who has had struggles with our children of magnitudes I don't care to share. Me. A mentor.

I am here for you my friends. I have IRL friends who email me about articles I write that encourage them and blog friends and even strangers who do the same. I love you all and am happy we can encourage each other. But, I am just like everyone else. I have things you don't know I struggle with, just like you do. I have wonderful daughters I can share with and a few friends, but the one source of my strength and comfort is the same as yours: God. The Father. Creator of heaven and earth.

So, when you are faced with challenging circumstances or just in a rush to get on with your plans, ask yourself this: Why not love in this moment? Why not drop what you think, forget your other obligations and feelings and realize that this is but a moment? This is but one circumstance. It may be inconsequential or it may be something that wears down your soul, but this is a time to make this a moment to remember with love and warmth, not something to just pass by.

blessings! -Jacque

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4:12 PM, Thursday, July 5, 2007 .. Posted by quietcajun

Yes, I understand that you, like all of us, are human. All the more reason why you can share what you are learning to help other humans. When someone sees that you are succeeding in training godly character into your family despite your humanity, then they can be encouraged that it IS possible in this difficult world to strive to attain something more Christlike.

May I just say that we are even so instructed in God's Word. The older women (not necessarily older in years, but older in experience, wisdom, Godly character and maturity) can teach the younger women.

I have had opportunities to mentor other women in areas that I am strong (in Christ). I have been able to encourage those who are experiencing miscarriage b/c of what i learned through Sarah Hope's death 7 years ago. I have been able to encourage military wives, b/c I've been there... done that. I can encourage moms struggling with several toddlers. I know what that is like and there IS a light at the end of the tunnel. I can encourage moms who've been through chronic illness with their children, bedwetters, etc.
Someday, I'll be able to encourage moms of special needs children. Right now I am still in the learning process after finally obtaining a diagnosis.

You have different strengths to offer. That's what makes God's World go 'round.

I can offer to you what I have learned and you can offer to me what you have learned and rather than "idolize" another human we can rejoice in what God has done inSPITE of our fallen human state and have hope that we can be victorious and look at a human demonstration of God's grace in our fellow man/or woman as the case may be.

Jacque,
YOU DO HAVE SO MUCH TO OFFER. Thanks for sharing who you are in Christ and what you are learning through your blogs.
Love in Christ,
Christina

CHRISTINA-

4:49 PM, Thursday, July 5, 2007 .. Posted by JacqueDixonSoulRestES

I love you girl.
You are such a sweet encouragement to me!
I know you are to others, too.

I hope that everyone who reads this understands that I am right there with you, missing things I should see, getting caught up in my own moments instead of the important ones... making things out of nothing and missing what is right in front of me...
Oh Lord, let me be found faithful!

-Jacque

I LOVE YOU MOM!!

5:37 PM, Thursday, July 5, 2007 .. Posted by SuperAngel

You always write such encouraging posts. I think this is what God made you for other than being our mom. To be an encouragment to all who come to know you. I know you are to me.
You may feel like you have little to offer, but I know you and KNOW that you have loads to offer women, mom, everyone.
Just blog what you feel God is telling you.
I love you!! And am thankful for all you do for me.
And I am thankful you take the time not to miss the important moments in my life.
Love,
Amanda

Edited by SuperAngel on Thursday, July 5, 2007 at 4:37 PM

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6:56 PM, Thursday, July 5, 2007 .. Posted by anyachristine

Well...I was going to write a thought-provoking comment, but I think what Amanda has written speaks volumes, especially since it is coming from someone who has seen you at your best and worst. [I'm sure the best is more frequent than the worst ;)]
I think we can all benefit from being mentored, but sometimes just going through situations together, side-by-side is where true discipleship takes place. That is where I am most of the time. Yes, I am able to help others going through situations that I have previously been through, but I have oh so much to learn from others.
So, I'm right there with you, Jacque, seeking God in each moment and hoping I can encourage someone along the way.

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10:50 PM, Thursday, July 5, 2007 .. Posted by Redbud

What you've written is so true. Thanks for the great reminder.

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8:59 AM, Friday, July 6, 2007 .. Posted by Anonymous

Wonderful thoughts. It does suddenly bring a new sense of responsibility when someone emails you with questions. I always want to step back and deflect. Yes, those are my thoughts on my blog, but a lot of them reflect my struggles more than my victories. They may be presented in a way that some people find something in which is great, but mostly it is my way of sifting through my own thoughts and troubles.

You are an encouragement! More so because you seem real.

Ya know.....

1:43 PM, Friday, July 6, 2007 .. Posted by BeccaBeard

it's the way you handle the tough issues that bring you respect, not necessarily that you don't have any. :-) We all know you're fighting the good fight with us, and your optimism and trust in God shines through.

Love,
Becca

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5:50 PM, Friday, July 6, 2007 .. Posted by Amber

Of course you've struggled, everyone does, but I can EASILY see how YOU could be a mentor. And I think the main reason is just because you struggle, but you have the LORD help you through things, and thats what makes you SHINE!

God Bless,
Amber
www.Amber-TrustintheLord.blogspot.com

PS~ My email changed, AmberTITL at gmail dot com