Our ministry hosts a number of conferences each year and I do a lot of speaking and teaching at each one. I used to approach these events as work, as part of my job. Every time I did a conference, I thought, This is my work, and when my work is over, I will enjoy myself. After several years, I began to think about how much time I spend in the pulpit, and I realized that if I don’t enjoy it, I won’t have much time left to enjoy anything. So I decided to have fun while I work. This is one way I have learned to enjoy every moment.
You will need to find ways to enjoy the present moments in your life. Certainly, learning to be happy while you work may be one way, but there are many others. Begin now to think about what you can do to find more joy in every experience. The present moment is all we’re guaranteed, so don’t wait until later-until you get married, until you retire, until you go on vacation, until your children finish college-to enjoy life. Nobody knows what is going to happen next in their lives or in the world. You are alive now, so maximize it, embrace it, and celebrate it.
Let me close this section with an anonymous writing that has been around for years and encouraged millions of people to enjoy every day and appreciate each moment. Let it inspire you to do likewise.
If I had my life to live over, I’d try to make more mistakes next time. I would relax. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I know of very few things that I would take seriously. I would be crazier. I would be less hygienic. I would take more chances. I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers, and watch more sunsets. I would walk more. I would eat more ice cream and fewer beans. I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones. You see, I am one of those people who lives prophylactically and sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I have had my moments, and if I had it to do over again, I’d have more of them. In fact, I’d try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead each day. I have been one of those people who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I had it to do over again, I would go places and do things and travel lighter than I have. If I had my life to do over, I would start barefooted earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would play hooky more. I wouldn’t make such good grades except by accident. I would ride on more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies.
Although I am not suggesting that we live riotously, I do believe the little story makes a good point. Let’s be serious enough to accomplish our goals in life, but not so serious that we kill creative spontaneity.
Think about It
What are you waiting on? Get busy and enjoy your life!
Power Pack
“This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24
“I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”
John 10:10
“I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing.”
John 15:11
