The joys and sorrows, mostly the sorrows, of a long life have shown me that we have each moment to see the miraculous and to focus on the beauty in each day. What you've said so well in We Go On is that there is hope and beauty even in sorrow. I have a one of those smarmy dish towels with the quote "Enjoy the little things in life. For someday you will realize they were the big things." I'm 69 and I can attest that the quote is true. Dish towel truth. Thank you John
At times, I feel like I rush through life and in doing so I miss the important things the Lord has for me to notice. As Pastor John stated, we do things because everyone is doing something at the present and not waiting until the end.
Remember, you can just call me John now....no more Pastor John necessary. I'm glad we can all take a step back together and not feel the pressure to just go with the flow.
I have had this article bookmarked to read since I saw it posted. It is July 1 and the read was still perfect and timely. We can use this message to even compare our mindset toward now, the “middle of the year”. We are going about the countdown of mid year things…And yet God still says “sit down and wait”. This is good and timeLESS. Even in July. ☺️
That's so good LaShanna! My birthday is in July, so it always feels like a natural reset for me. I take time away to reflect every January and July and I feel like I go into the two halves of the year refreshed and at peace.
Do you have any practices of rest or reflecting that have been helpful for you?
Oh my happy early birthday! You’ve hit some pivotal times to reset (Jan/July). I try and make it my non-negotiable to get away even if it’s a staycation to be quiet and unplug to hear God. My spirit usually confirms it for me too. Jan is a time for quiet and observation, July is my time of quiet and spiritual assessment and my spirit will usually pull on me around Sept during Rosh Hashanah to steal away and hear God regarding His intentions for me and the world around me. Thanks for this reading!
I resonate with this deeply. I'm beginning to love the fact that I was born in January because as an adult I find myself reflecting in January as I start a new year of life. Taking time to process the year and ask the Lord to reveal areas where Im growing or areas I need to do better in at the start of year has yielded good results. January is a great time to reflect and February is indeed a great time to start.
I truly enjoyed this post! Grateful that I found your Substack. I would love to learn more about your routine. You mentioned that you get up at 4:30 am to begin your day. What time do you usually get to bed? I have the privilege of leading in Birmingham, but I just started a Substack to write more. I would appreciate any tips you may have.
I usually go to bed sometime between 9:30-11:30pm. I usually get somewhere between 5-7 hours of sleep a night and I can function pretty well through the day. I'm not opposed to naps and try to take quick ones whenever I can.
While the world has started a fresh slate, diets, workout plans, I’m still not motivated for any of it. And even though I haven’t made any of those commitments, I still feel rushed by the world to
do so.
My husband passed away Jan 2, of 2020.
That may obviously have a lot to do with it. The first of the year is now a MAJOR trigger to me and the children. It’s been a rough two weeks. Thank you for this perspective.
Renee…I’m so sorry about your loss. I can’t imagine how hard these last few years have been. I imagine the new year for you will always be a time of deep reflection.
Please take time to rest and reflect and enjoy time with your little ones. I hope and pray you all feel the permission to feel whatever you need to feel as you keep going.
FAM!!! I have to look folks directly in their eyes on the airplane sometimes and just say "chill!!! We all gonna get there. I promise the plane ain't gonna go back up into the sky with you still on board"
Hey Brothers, thanks for sharing. This is eye-opening for me in many ways. I pray God bless you with more insights. Thank you.
This is gudt!!
Thanks Mari
Backspace has been pressed. Thanks for the reminder - actually thanks for the head smack to stay in the present.
LOL!!! Alright. Just stay close to the keyboard. We'll make some resolutions at the end of the month
The joys and sorrows, mostly the sorrows, of a long life have shown me that we have each moment to see the miraculous and to focus on the beauty in each day. What you've said so well in We Go On is that there is hope and beauty even in sorrow. I have a one of those smarmy dish towels with the quote "Enjoy the little things in life. For someday you will realize they were the big things." I'm 69 and I can attest that the quote is true. Dish towel truth. Thank you John
Dish towel truth! I know what I want for Christmas this year!
John. MCU movies and metaphors? Here for it. Thank you for inviting us to stay present.
My friend! Thanks for the kind words
At times, I feel like I rush through life and in doing so I miss the important things the Lord has for me to notice. As Pastor John stated, we do things because everyone is doing something at the present and not waiting until the end.
Remember, you can just call me John now....no more Pastor John necessary. I'm glad we can all take a step back together and not feel the pressure to just go with the flow.
I have had this article bookmarked to read since I saw it posted. It is July 1 and the read was still perfect and timely. We can use this message to even compare our mindset toward now, the “middle of the year”. We are going about the countdown of mid year things…And yet God still says “sit down and wait”. This is good and timeLESS. Even in July. ☺️
That's so good LaShanna! My birthday is in July, so it always feels like a natural reset for me. I take time away to reflect every January and July and I feel like I go into the two halves of the year refreshed and at peace.
Do you have any practices of rest or reflecting that have been helpful for you?
Oh my happy early birthday! You’ve hit some pivotal times to reset (Jan/July). I try and make it my non-negotiable to get away even if it’s a staycation to be quiet and unplug to hear God. My spirit usually confirms it for me too. Jan is a time for quiet and observation, July is my time of quiet and spiritual assessment and my spirit will usually pull on me around Sept during Rosh Hashanah to steal away and hear God regarding His intentions for me and the world around me. Thanks for this reading!
I resonate with this deeply. I'm beginning to love the fact that I was born in January because as an adult I find myself reflecting in January as I start a new year of life. Taking time to process the year and ask the Lord to reveal areas where Im growing or areas I need to do better in at the start of year has yielded good results. January is a great time to reflect and February is indeed a great time to start.
I truly enjoyed this post! Grateful that I found your Substack. I would love to learn more about your routine. You mentioned that you get up at 4:30 am to begin your day. What time do you usually get to bed? I have the privilege of leading in Birmingham, but I just started a Substack to write more. I would appreciate any tips you may have.
I usually go to bed sometime between 9:30-11:30pm. I usually get somewhere between 5-7 hours of sleep a night and I can function pretty well through the day. I'm not opposed to naps and try to take quick ones whenever I can.
Wow. This is everything I needed to read.
While the world has started a fresh slate, diets, workout plans, I’m still not motivated for any of it. And even though I haven’t made any of those commitments, I still feel rushed by the world to
do so.
My husband passed away Jan 2, of 2020.
That may obviously have a lot to do with it. The first of the year is now a MAJOR trigger to me and the children. It’s been a rough two weeks. Thank you for this perspective.
Renee…I’m so sorry about your loss. I can’t imagine how hard these last few years have been. I imagine the new year for you will always be a time of deep reflection.
Please take time to rest and reflect and enjoy time with your little ones. I hope and pray you all feel the permission to feel whatever you need to feel as you keep going.
Blessings to you sis.
FAM!!! I have to look folks directly in their eyes on the airplane sometimes and just say "chill!!! We all gonna get there. I promise the plane ain't gonna go back up into the sky with you still on board"