I was reminded yesterday that it’s the moments that make up our memories. Yesterday, we took a field trip to a science factory for school. As a part of the day, we also stopped at a park because the weather was so nice. I had the kids do a writing assignment while we were there. While I was doing the assignment with the kids, Matt snapped a picture and sent me a text saying, “This right here is why we do what we do.” He also sent me some thoughts, some of what I’m sharing in this email. 

So often, we get so busy. Life comes flying at us from all directions. I find myself with a to-do list every day that’s daunting, and I find myself constantly saying to my kids, “I’m busy right now; I can’t do that right now. We can do that later, another day.” I tell myself it will be better after I finish this project or this deadline, but that’s not necessarily true. Because after that deadline, there will be another one and another one.

Yet, for all my busyness, life doesn’t slow down. My kids aren’t getting any younger; I’m not getting any younger. If we’re not careful, life will pass us by in the blink of an eye. We can either let it pass us by, or we can choose to grab ahold of it, force it to slow down for us.

How do you slow time?

For me, slowing down time is accomplished by simply spending time with the people I love and creating memories with them. We measure life in moments. Those moments add up to be memories, and we treasure those memories. Those moments create the memories we will tell for decades to come. If we miss those moments, we can never get them back. 

How do you create memories?

How do we create those moments so we can be assured of memories later on? This is something I constantly struggle with. Matt is much better at it than I am; this is a constant struggle for me because my mind is always busy. Left to my own choosing, I will always choose to work. So I have to remind myself of these principles:

1. Be present. When it’s time to do something with those you love, choose to simply be present. For me with my kids, I have to choose to do the activity with them, paint the picture, throw the football, chase them through the field, laugh with them, etc. 
2. Create moments. There won’t ever be any special moments that will turn into memories if we don’t intentionally schedule time into our calendar. Plan for special days—trips to the park, day trips to special places, picnics, read-alouds, craft and art projects, cook-outs with friends, special dinners, coffee dates, etc.
3. Take pictures. Pictures will be my memory of this day when I forget. Pictures will remind me that this day was special and worth it. 

How do you make it work?

Maybe you, like me, struggle with this concept. Maybe you find it hard to take a break, to cut loose when there is so much to do. I hear you. Here’s a quick assignment. Answer these two questions:

What are the things I can do anytime?

What are the things I can only do in this time? 

If we’re honest with ourselves, answering those two questions will remind us of what’s important right now. If you’re in the midst of the child-rearing years, remind yourself of this principle:

The days are long, but the years are short.

Choose to be Intentional

Too soon, our kids will be gone from our homes, moving on with their lives. We have to choose to be intentional about our time with them. This applies to anybody in any life stage. Maybe you don’t have kids, but this still applies to your friendships and relationships. We only get one shot at this life; let’s make it count.

Remember this: The moments we spend today will be memories we reminisce or missteps we will forever regret.

More Encouragement

A great book on this topic is Hands-Free Mama by Rachel Macy Stafford. I really felt convicted reading this book but also inspired and encouraged. You can also check out my post My Reminder from a Heart in the Sand.