I got up early this morning, made my fresh ground Tim Horton’s coffee, and went outside under my awning to listen to the rain, the birds, and God’s Spirit. I noticed the beautiful flowers that open each day to God’s light for our enjoyment. Some of those flowers only last one day, while some are there for a short season. Then I looked next door and looked up into the massive oak tree in my parents’ back yard. I wondered who and how that tree was planted. I remember when Kathryn lived next door, and how she told stories of when there were only a few houses here, and most of the neighborhood was a big forest of trees where her son’s exploring adventures happened.
The longer I sat, listened, and reflected, the more I remembered. I remembered the skate park we had in our driveway most the of years that our kids were growing up, how the skateboarding community loved to come each day, and how much we enjoyed connecting with them. I remembered all the seasons of soccer and tennis and the relationships we built. I remembered the crazy foursquare games, though the lines are all faded in our driveway.
I noticed my father was leaving, so I walked out in the rain to connect with him. His prelude to leading blended worship begins at Tim Hortons where the blend of coffee and conversations always inspire him to give thanks and tell stories. I started remembering the songs my father has composed, “Now may the God of hope,” “Everything was new one day,” “A new day dawns,” and the words packed into his songs like “savor the memories.” I guess that’s what I was doing this morning: savoring the memories.
When we stop and reflect on the seasons of life God gives us, we can recall wonderful and painful memories. The sights and smells and sounds and movements and people and places all trigger what’s stored in our bodies. Maybe that’s why more people don’t slow down. Maybe that’s why we stay in motion, fill our schedules, and complain about our stressors. Because when we stop and reflect on the seasons God gives us, we get flooded with memories and emotions.
I miss the days when our four boys were home running around playing. I miss my neighbor, Kathryn, who died when she was 94. I miss being able to play soccer. And someday I’ll be filled with grief when my parents are no longer with us. Tears of sorrow and joy come to my eyes just thinking about past, present, and future seasons.
I wonder how many flowers of opportunity I miss each day because I’m preoccupied, too busy, or because I don’t embrace them. I wonder which seeds I’m planting will grow and become like oak trees planted in God’s kingdom. I wonder what God is going to do next with my life, time, home, family, friends, and creativity. I hope my Spirit-driven relationships and cutting-edge tools develop community and fully devoted followers of Jesus. And I hope and pray that I make the most of each opportunity God gives me to worship Him and to enjoy the people He’s planted in my life. I hope we grow some amazing kingdom fruit together that lasts forever!
Learn from the past. Live in the present. Look forward to the future.
Seize the moments God orchestrates this day.
Slow down, reflect, and give thanks.
Live this season like it’s going to be your last one.
HOLD NOTHING BACK!