Cherish The Moment

Today’s guest post is from Jenni of Simply Prudent.

As a first-time mom to a newborn, I often find myself lusting after a full night of sleep, less diaper changes, and words instead of crying.  I will admit it…  Sometimes I wish that my daughter was older.  I forget to cherish the moment.  Have you been there?

We all go through seasons of our lives in which we long to be out of quickly.  Perhaps you are in the season of singleness and wish to be married.  Maybe responsibilities in an area of your life are weighing you down.  Or, like me, you are sleep-deprived parent that could use a nap once in awhile.  Whatever season of life you are in, you are there for a reason.  As it says in Ecclesiastes 3:1–

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

This past month I began challenging myself to live in the present.  Why?  Because it is a gift from God.  I must view this season as a gift, not a burden, even though it may be difficult at times.  It is only with this attitude that I can bring Him glory and find joy in the sometimes tiresome duties of being a new mom.

I recently read the following words by Elisabeth Elliot:

We have the assurance–a calming and quieting one–that God in His infinite wisdom has placed us where we are. There are perhaps some factors which we would not happily have chosen…

…Our heavenly Father knows to place us where we may learn lessons impossible anywhere else. He has neither misplaced nor displaced us. He assigns and designs according to His inscrutable wisdom–always for our blessing and conformity to the image of Christ.

The apostle Paul learned “to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13).

With this in mind, I hope to continue to see the season God has put me in as a “gift of place” and cherish the moment, knowing I will gain the most joy by trusting Him and striving to bring Him glory where I am.  Not only will I find joy in Christ, but I will find more joy in mothering my little girl.

From now on, when I am awakened by cries in the night, I will gladly hold my baby in my arms and cherish the moment.  I will whisper “I love you” into her sweet-smelling hair, reminding myself that before I know it I will be wishing I had the chance to cuddle her one more time.

I encourage you to take this challenge with me.  Remember the saying, “Time is a companion who reminds us to cherish every moment because it will never come again.”  May we hold one another accountable as we strive to joyfully live in the present.  Let us cherish the moment.

What moments do you need to cherish today?

Jenni is a Christian homemaker living in the Midwest with her handsome husband and adorable baby girl. She is the author and editor of Simply Prudent where she shares how to cultivate prudent simplicity in the heart and home.

Blog: www.simplyprudent.net

Twitter: @simplyprudent