Today’s post is a simple one, framed around a message that is universally true and universally difficult to apply. I learned last week about The significance of enjoying life’s “In-Between Moments”.

(Photo by Nathan Siner; April 2015)

Last week we took an unexpected road trip to Dallas and Houston, Texas for the funeral and burial services of Ashley’s “PawPaw”, Harry Thompson. He lived 84 years on this earth. Although I’ve only known him 10 years, I had the opportunity last week to hear several stories about him that taught me something I would like to share. It’s not new to anyone or extremely profound; in fact, its something very simple and yet it is so difficult to live out every day. From the stories I heard from several family members and friends, Harry was a man with a huge heart, lots of love to give and extreme patience. He enjoyed all of life’s moments. Not only the larger than life, quintessential moments, but all of the ordinary and mundane ones. He enjoyed what I like to call the “in-betweens”. No matter what situation he was in he was not only content, but exuding with joy!

(Photo by Nathan Siner; April 2015)

I am a Type A, very task-oriented person. I am always creating To-Do lists and trying to find the fastest way to accomplish things. It is hard for me to slow down and enjoy the journey. Because I see tasks as my measure of accomplishment, I tend to neglect looking at the people in my life and showing them love or just enjoying the moment with them. I let stress take over my life if and when a task isn’t being accomplished as quickly as I would like. I often fail to realize that the time in between the start and the finish of a job or task could be used for more fellowship with others, time to reflect or pray or even time for relaxation.

(Photo by Nathan Siner; April 2015)

What I learned last week is that the way Harry lived his life had an impact on everyone he came in contact with; his joy in the moment shaped and changed the lives of others. This kind of legacy is what I hope to leave behind one day. I challenge you today to join me in finding joy in those small “In-betweens ” in our lives. Instead of griping or complaining that you aren’t to your end destination or where you think you should be in life, take time to look around and praise God for another day and find someone to encourage and love on! As I was reminded of last week, when we are gone from this earth what remains isn’t the list of tasks we accomplished, but the people we loved along the way, and the way we handled the journey, complete with its pinnacles and in-between moments.