March 17, 2014

TODAY IS A GIFT.

cupcake

Lately, the days have been passing by quickly. I wake up, go to work, sneak in a quick lunch (read: inhale my lunch and run to the bathroom before the second wave of kids come), and then go home, eat, shower, sleep, and repeat.

It's been a cycle and I feel like I'm in a bit of a rut (again). I want to refresh myself and remind myself that this life of mine is not a forever. That the seasons I'm in will not (and are not) going to last forever and that someday I'll look back on these days with fond memories of the good old days (ha!). 

But in all seriousness, I want to remember that today is a gift. That I've been given today, this moment, this second, this point in time and that it is a gift and not something I'm entitled to. It's not something I deserve, but rather, something I've been given. And like a gift, I'm going to enjoy it, eagerly anticipate what's next, and enjoy what I've received--no matter what lies inside.

How do you celebrate the ordinary? How do you remind yourself of this truth? Do you agree or disagree?

24 comments

  1. I celebrate just like it seems you do. Photographing the ordinary. Speaking of. That cupcake. Is that peanut butter frosting? Because we definitely made brownie cupcakes with peanut butter frosting yesterday. While the boys were napping. They still haven't seen them. Ha! And I think that feeling you're (we all) are in of just feeling like "there has to be something else," it's because there is. And you totally hit it, that this life is not IT. We were created to live in a different way, and because of the fall, it's just not how it is anymore, so our hearts are yearning for the day it is made right again. (I've been thinking about this a lot lately).

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    1. I completely agree. Photographing the everyday is definitely how I try and live in the present and remember all that I have in front of me. Photography is powerful, right?

      And I love what you said about there being something else out there. There really is and I looooove what you said about it. I could not say it better and it's really left me thinking, too (in a good way!). :)

      p.s. That cupcake is actually one my sister made and the brown coloring is from cinnamon! It's actually a cinnamon buttercream. I would totally be all for peanut butter frosting, but I'm actually allergic to peanuts. :)

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  2. I feel that way a lot lately. Being in a "rut" can be so discouraging, but celebrating the ordinary is such a beautiful idea. I'm really bad about focusing ahead, always on the next task. I'm really trying to reel myself back in and focus on each moment, as opposed to constantly living for the future. It's about finding the good in the "now."

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    1. Oh girl, I, too, focus on the future a lot. It's really easy for me to just keep chugging along, looking ahead to the future when days will slow down. Of course, that's not going to happen unless I make them slow down. :)

      But I'm glad I'm not alone in this! Here's about living in the now and slowing down a little. :)

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  3. my days feel like that all too much recently! where they all kinda blur together & i feel like i'm not really going anywhere! but you are so right that today is a gift! and i should treasure it as such!

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    1. Exactly! It must be the time of the year or something, because it seems like lots of us are just chugging along and trying to make it through each day. Maybe it's because we're all looking forward to summertime? :)

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  4. i have been feeling like this, too! in the mundane and routine, i felt worn & exhausted, just clinging on to the future. but then God reminded me to live in the now. these seemingly ordinary moments are shaping me. they are all significant to this story - my life - He is writing.

    yet again - another great post, kiki! i swear we are the same person sometimes ;)

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    1. You nailed it, my friend. That is exactly how I've been feeling as of late. You have such a way for words--it makes me wish I had written those exact same words in this post! :)

      But like you said, ordinary moments DO shape us and they are important; even if they are little, hidden, and mundane. :)

      And seriously, we ARE the same person! It's crazy--in a good way, that is. :)

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  5. Trying to remind myself of this, as well! I'm in a season of waiting on confirmation and clarity from the Lord, and it can be so easy for my mind to just race and ACHE for that confirmation. But instead of spinning my wheels, I just want to rest in Him in this season. Unknown and all. I know one day I'm going to look back on this time of waiting as such a sweet gift of growing closer to the Lord.

    Thanks for the sweet reminder to live in the present, deary!

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    1. Ooh, that is beautifully written. Waiting seasons are so tough and it's so easy to just look forward to the future and all that the future holds. And while that's good (in small amounts!), it's just as important to find rest and contentment in Him (and those are lessons I've learned from you, too!). ;)

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  6. I think a lot of us often feel this way.
    But the thought that came to mind as I read this today was that what you have today is what you were dreaming of having just a few short months ago. :)

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    1. Girl, you are soooo incredibly wise. That is so truthful and it's actually something that I've been reminded of while talking to some college students who are where I was just a few short months ago. :)

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  7. Love this....thank's Kiki! Hindsight is always helpful, and I know looking back on things helps give perspective. Sometimes in the heat of the moment, it's hard to see the good, or the preciousness in the everyday ordinary things.

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    1. Exactly! I read another blog post not too long ago about looking back with gratitude (as opposed to regret), looking forward with hope, and living in the present with contentment, too (or something like that!). :) But like you said, there really is beauty in the everyday. REAL beauty, too. :)

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  8. yes.
    yes.
    & yes.
    and i'm with laura, a lot of us feel this way - often!
    i think you celebrate it in moments like this - enjoying the moment.
    instead of thinking "what can i do in an hour" enjoy that moment on the couch, or in a conversation, or watching the sunset...

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    1. Love that idea! I feel like I'm just chugging, chugging, chugging at work because it's so busy and there really aren't any still moments to take advantage of. But like you said, taking the time to just savor the moments and enjoy the everyday is exactly what makes today a gift. :) Well said, my friend. Well said.

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  9. Love this post girl, so good!
    It's so easy to pass by the little things and not enjoy the moment, especially in the fast paced world that we live in.
    I find that when i do "savor the moment" I am more in tune with what God wants me to see, like a sunset or a chat with a friend like Amy said. Enjoy those moments girl, cause your right someday you will want them back.
    And know that God has you in this season for a reason, and I can totally see him working in you girl!
    He is using this season to shape you for the next one, and to shape you into the women that he wants you to be.

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    1. Exactly! I've caught myself working, working, working because I've got lots on my to-do lists and because I have a fast-paced job in a fast-paced world. But like you said, living in the moment and savoring the everyday remind us of God's beauty, His creation, and just how important and present He is in our lives. :)

      And I so know what you mean about enjoying these moments now! I know that while I long for marriage and parenthood, having these crazy busy days are something I'll long for again, too. Just as I did with college days, haha. :)

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  10. This is so, so good. You're always so encouraging! I love your outlook on life. It's a breath of fresh air!

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    1. Aw, thanks! You are and have been such a cheerful encouragement to me and someone I can depend on, too. You not only inspire me teaching-wise, but you have such an understanding listening ear, too. Thank you for the support, friend!

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  11. I look for the little joys in every single day. The photo a day challenge has really helped me focus on the present and what I want to make out of each day.

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    1. Me, too! It's really helped me just focus on what's in front of me and remember that there is so much I have to be thankful for. So glad we're still doing this project together! :)

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  12. Oh man, I totally feel like I'm in a rut right now too. I feel bored, tired, and just plain blah. When I start getting this way I have to start intentionally writing out my prayers to God thanking Him for all of the good things He blesses me with. I make myself really notice all of the little things around me that give me a glimpse of His awesome power,grace, and love. This was a wonderful post! Thank you so much for sharing it. I discovered your blog through Jess over at Polished Arrow, and I am so glad I did. I'm thinking about linking up with The Circle. It looks so fun!

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    1. That's exactly how I feel some days, too! I actually journal out my prayers each night as a habit because it's how I best communicate (without getting distracted!) and I agree with what you said, it really does make things intentional and is a great way to realize just how much we have in our lives. :)

      Thank you for sharing your heart and thoughts in the comments! I love getting to know you, Paige! :) And yes, please do link up with The Circle! It's a new topic each month and a great way to meet more amazing bloggers, too!

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© IN ITS TIMEMaira Gall