Philippians 4:4 — Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Nobody warns you how quickly “someday” gets here.
Almost two years ago, I held my daughter in my arms for the first time. She was small and wrinkled and amazing. I thought to myself that nothing would ever be the same again.
And I was so right. In those first months, life revolved around tiny bottles, burp cloths, and long nights where sleep was only a distant memory.
Now, she is a toddler with a laugh that fills our house like sunlight. She runs through the living room with hair wild from nap time, climbs on chairs she shouldn’t, and points her little finger at the world like she’s naming it for the first time.
Every day, she learns something new. And every day, I feel the ache of time moving faster than I’d like. Sometimes, I catch myself scrolling back through old photos on my phone of her newborn baby phase, missing it.
The future, too, tries to pull at me—questions about school, friends, and who she’ll become. Those worries can swallow me if I’m not careful.
And in whether I’m looking ahead or looking in the rearview, I find myself missing the moment right in front of me. But I remind myself that God doesn’t ask me to relive the past or predict the future. He simply asks me to take joy in Him. To trust him and to be here. Right now.
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” — Hebrews 12:2
And so, today, I scoop my daughter up, even when she’s wiggly and squirming, and I let myself enjoy the weight of her in my arms. Because one day, I’ll miss the way her head fits against my shoulder.
Because the truth is, one day, you will look back and miss the gifts God has given you right now. And wouldn’t it be a shame to miss it?
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
- What moments in your life right now might you be rushing past instead of resting in?
- How can fixing your eyes on Jesus help you stay present and grateful in today’s season?
- What’s one simple way you can pause today to notice the gift of right now?