By Ryan Kelly –

Let’s face it, life is busy. When you ask someone “how are you doing,” they will often reply to you something along the lines of “doing great, just busy.” Or maybe they will go on and on about work, kids’ activities, school projects, problems, etc. You may do the same…perhaps even in a subconscious game of outdoing the other person’s busyness. Because after all, this is the norm of our society today.

I’m not going to be one to suggest that we shouldn’t be busy, because such is life for most of us and it does not have to be a bad thing. But what I do want to stress is that God did not create us to be busy all of the time. First, he gave us a day of rest that far too many of us overlook. The Sabbath is there for a reason, so that we can rest from work and celebrate the Lord. But even aside from the Sabbath, we need to find ways to take little breaks throughout the day and enjoy the moment far more than we do.

There are so many opportunities to enjoy the little moments of the day. Here are a few suggestions, in no particular order:
1. Look up and see the sun, the clouds, the birds, and the sky while feeling a cool breeze blowing and the glow of the sun hitting your skin.
2. Play with your kids and think of how amazing it is to have a life in front of you that enjoys your company.
3. Enjoy time with others and strive to form deeper, lasting conversation.
4. Savor bites of food and focus on the different tastes, all the while being thankful for the nutrition and flavor that you get to enjoy.
5. Close your eyes for a moment, stretch your arms, and just live in the peaceful calm of the moment.
6. Find a fun game to play, even a quick one, and allow your mind to relax.
7. Sit in silent reflection and walk through your day in your mind, thinking of the good things that have taken place and the opportunities still to come.
8. Treat yourself to a lunch or a snack.
9. Take a few minutes and read a chapter of your favorite book of the Bible.
10. Sit in silent prayer and thank the Lord for each little moment that He gives us.

There is an unlimited number of things that we can do to enjoy little moments in the day. This list are just a few examples that came to mind and some that I try to enact in my own life. No matter how you enjoy the little moments that the Lord gives us, just be sure to do it frequently. It is good for your heart and your spirit.

“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 8:15