Finding the Joy of the Moment

Matthew 6:34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Buggy parking lot at The Amish Farm at Walnut Creek, Ohio.

Dear Kids,

Life at one hundred miles an hour – that’s what each day feels like sometimes. We rush and worry about all that needs to be done, constantly running and thinking ahead to the next thing. Usually, in all the rush we miss the joy of the moment.

Our Quiet Get-A-Way

This weekend Dad and I spent some time away in the heart of Amish country. We love to retreat to a quiet inn we found a few years ago. From this special place we find rest that we don’t often get in the busy life of family business, church and school activities and home responsibilities. Things slow down and it’s easier to focus.

All around the area are peaceful farms and Amish residences where colorful clothes swing in the breeze and horses pulling buggies clop by. Though I would not want to live this particular style of simple living all the time, watching from the outside calms my soul and makes me think. What am I missing in all my busyness?

Finding the Joy of the Moment

By rushing around in constant productivity, I realize I often miss the joy of the moment. While working on one project, my mind is miles ahead worrying about the next item on my list. How will I get that newspaper ad finished before the deadline? Will dinner be ready before the evening event? How much clothing is left in my drawer? Will I need to do laundry before work or school tomorrow?

Drinking in the simplicity of life in Ohio Amish country this weekend, I determined that from now on I would make a concerted effort to enjoy each moment. I don’t need to worry over tomorrow’s difficulties or next week’s deadlines. Instead, I need to slow down the pace from race car status to carriage horse speed.

When we remember that God is in control of all tomorrows, our heart stops racing and we can put the brakes on life at one hundred miles an hour.

What are you doing right now? Pause, set aside your worries, think about the present, and find the joy of the moment!

Love,

Mama