“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…” (Eccl. 3:1, NKJV).
Today I saw a picture of a sweet baby girl looking adoringly into her daddy’s eyes. Her pudgy, dimpled little hands reached up and touched his face. I smiled tenderly.
Once again, Holy Spirit piped up. He likes to give me a running commentary about things I see and hear throughout my day. He pointed out, “Those are the riches I built into this phase of that young man’s life.”
God has built riches into each season of our lives. Children enjoy the awe of learning about the world around them and all that is beautiful and good in it. Teenagers receive the gift of beginning to explore the fabric of their personal makeup. What exhilaration goes into each exploit, each phase of self-discovery as they uncover the innate gifts and talents woven into who they are!
College students enter a brand new stage, tasting the euphoria of independence while delving into promising new areas of study. The world is at their fingertips as they gaze in wonder at the plethora of possibilities that lie before them.
Young love brings its own brand of elation. Newlywed bliss and then having babies each carry spellbinding thrills that will never again be repeated further down the road of life. Career achievements and accolades eventually quiet down into the tranquil joy of the golden years.
In every season, God has packed in His goodness. The question remains, will we have eyes to see His provision for today? Regrettably, we humans spend a disproportionate amount of our time and energy either looking backwards or forwards. What riches we miss out on, in doing so!
Meditate on some advice from one of the wisest men who ever lived: “So go ahead. Eat your food with joy… with a happy heart, for God approves of this! Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne! Live happily with the woman you love…” (Eccl. 9:7-9, NLT)
Today, let’s ask the Father for the grace to drink in the present moment.
Daddy God, please open my eyes to see Your goodness manifest in my current season. Show me what gifts You have provided for me right now that I have not yet been perceiving. Grant me a grateful heart that relishes every manifestation of Your kindness. Empower me to savor both the extravagant joys and the soft, subtle delights!
*******************************************************
What are some of the best joys about the season of life you are in right now?
Feeding On Jesus 
When I slow down and meditate on God and his goodness to me I’m struck by how much more important his simple, natural gifts to me are compared to anything I can buy.
Amen to living in and enjoying the moment we’re given!
LikeLiked by 3 people
That is an amazingly important truth, Rob. So many lives would be so much better if we could all deeply internalize that!
LikeLike
The first thought that surfaced in response here is what I framed my last post around on my site. The Spirit allowed me quiet time outside a few days ago and helped me realize that this house we moved into three years ago has become Home. Not just a place to eat, sleep and park the car, but a safe place of retreat and respite. I can be comfortable growing old (or older!) here, and I am blessed. — Mike
LikeLiked by 2 people
What an exceedingly precious treasure, Mike! I am grateful He has given you that gift!
LikeLike
Jennifer, looking back for a moment, I remember thinking life will go on forever! Now, in this season [at age 70] I rarely look into the future or plan for goals beyond today. My thoughts of eternity flourish and take center stage. Today, I seriously give thanks for the breath of life and all that follows. Challenges continue but are no longer overwhelming.
My time with Jesus, in prayer, in the Word and meditating are more precious then ever. Do I have regrets ? Yes, a few….but that which I have today, I would never trade. Thank you Father, thank you Jesus, thank you Holy Spirit : ) . Len Wisniewski
LikeLiked by 1 person
My spirit bears witness that the work He has been doing in you in this season is deep and exceedingly precious. I greatly rejoice!
LikeLike
This is how dogs live so happily. In the now (or, now, now, now as the case may be.) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, yes indeed! 😀
LikeLike
Life is amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it?? 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Time for listening to that still small voice of our God. And now hearing what He says. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! When we listen, He always lifts our perspective!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our current challenges sometimes blindfold us from seeing the blessings that surround us. In my toughest days in the current season, I often challenge myself to count my blessings and then bam, I realize how richly blessed I am with all the friendships, people, things I can do and just everything around me is a blessing and reminder that Daddy God has not forgotten about me, He is letting me enjoy now and today as He prepares me for tomorrow. Hard to do but when we consciously let ourselves drift into His goodness, we get energized and come out of our pity party!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right, Gladys, it really is a discipline that takes concerted effort and the exertion of our wills to choose gratitude. I am so grateful He offers us the power of His Spirit to infill us as we seek to move into that perspective that makes all the difference!
LikeLike
Excellent advice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jon! 😀
LikeLike
I’ve often been guilty of thinking, “Life will begin in earnest once I get through this to-do list, or this latest crisis.” Living in the present is something I constantly need to work on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meeee tooo! (I always write about whatever He’s working on in me!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Living in the present. Yes, indeed. Thank you. Contentment is my first response here. Thank God for THIS DAY. amen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! THIS is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it! 😀
LikeLike
Jennifer, thanks for sharing the wonderful and uplifting prayer. I am in the final third of my life, and I feel wonderfully blessed after a long and rewarding teaching career. I love and admire my family, and now much of my time is filled with writing. God has provided much encouragement for me along the way. As my Mother says, “Every day is precious.” I live in the present because I am wiser from the past and remain positive about the future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your mother is a very wise lady! And what a joyful thing to be in the final third of your life and to be fulfilled and full, rather than empty as so many are who haven’t learned the true riches of life in Him!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful message! Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome, my sister! Grace and peace to you! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person