We miss so much in life. Each moment in life is rich with content and meaning. Yet we are often so pulled by the demands of life that we give minimal attention to the moment at hand, in some cases already thinking of the next thing to do, and we miss so much of the richness of the moment. We miss so much in life.

Take our relationship with children, for example. You’ve likely heard the old adage, “children are to be seen and not heard.” What sadness in that statement. We know that God has gifted children to us not only for continuation of the human race but also as richness and fruitfulness for the earth. There is such sweetness in our children: their laughter, their call to us for play, their need of us for a warm hug, a gentle embrace, a moment of loving conversation. There is overwhelming blessing in listening to our children: intentionally listening undistracted, face-to-face at their level, communicating to them our love and our interest in them by being wholly present with them and for them. There is no greater gift we can give to our children than our focused attention; there is no greater gift in return for us than their exhilaration and joy with our attention and presence. It is divine nourishment for all. But to partake in this richness and fruitfulness we must be intentionally aware of our moments with them.

Consider the relationship with your beloved partner-in-life. Each and every moment you spend with him or her is a sacred moment. The moments we spend together – for that given day and time – are the only moments that we are granted for a life. Be honest with yourself: are far too many of those moments squandered, misspent? Do you take your partner for granted, accused of not listening or not caring? Do you take the time with your loved ones for granted? Many times we are a “Martha” in life, consumed and distracted by many things. The better thing in life is to listen to one another, to learn from one another, to be present for one another – to be aware of the moment.

To take any moment with anyone for granted is to abuse the gift of life and to reject the blessings of that moment given by God. It is a great loss, for that given moment is forever gone.

Please prayerfully consider this point for your life. Recall frequently the truth that each moment in life is a gift just yearning to be opened and relished. Remind yourself that each moment is ripe with richness and wonder. Please reflect on your own life historically and how the past can inform your future in being truly aware of each moment. If you have stumbled in the past by being distracted by many things, and thus not being aware fully of each moment, start this moment – now – to recommit yourself to this blessed endeavor. I can promise you that you will not be disappointed.

As we experience the Advent and Christmas seasons I lovingly urge you to consciously engage each moment by being wholly present in that moment, wholly aware of the gift of that moment. And with that intentionality I believe that you will (re-) discover a richness and joy in life that perhaps have been missing for you. By your loving presence and attentiveness you will bless those with you in the moment, and you will be blessed. Be aware of the moment!

Pastor Randy