Savor

There is a beautiful quote by Marcus Aurelius that says, “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love”. I need to paint it on the ceiling in my bedroom so I can see and remember it every day! Unfortunately, many mornings I wake up and instantly check my phone. It is a habit I am trying to break and replacing with gratitude and a quiet morning prayer.

What about you? Do you find yourself rushing through the morning, pushing past the difficult parts of your day just to “get through it”, or are you able to see the beauty in each person or situation and the uniqueness it brings to your life? Chip Gaines expressed recently that he plans to live each day as if it was Saturday. Brilliant – and a mindset worth adopting. Instead of having to do things, we get to do them because we are so lucky to be alive!

This upcoming week I will have both my girls home from college and I plan to savor each moment with them. To set aside any checklists or plans that could get done another time, and simply soak them in. My prayer this Thanksgiving is that you are able to do the same as you gather with friends and family (even the difficult ones!). Happy Thanksgiving!

Inspiration/Resources:

Book/Devotional:

Find Rest: A women’s devotional for lasting peace in a busy life by Shaunti Feldhahn (Day #13 in her book inspired this post).

Verses:

Romans 12:18 (NIV): “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Ecclesiastes 9:7 (MSG): “Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes – God takes pleasure in your pleasure!”

Quote:

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts” – Marcus Aurelius