Day 6 - Blink and you'll miss it

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"11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son."

1 John 5:11 (NIV)

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Blink and you'll miss it. One of life's inevitability's is that time moves forward. It waits for no one. As the years go by, it seems to get faster and faster. It can be easy to switch onto auto-pilot and miss the moments in life where God comes a little closer.

In September this year, I had the privilege of spending a week in Scarborough Town Centre collecting for The Salvation Army. It is always a great opportunity to share the gospel, the work of the army, and to build relationships with the local community. I was about to go back to University, I was missing freshers week but not being a drinker this didn't matter to me and besides I had been volunteered by my Mum (thanks Mum!). Me and Grandma always used to collect together, however this year she was feeling the cold a bit more so joined me when she could. Across the 5 days, I had many conversations, raised lots of money for Gods work and spent precious time with everyone's favourite Grandma. We laughed, we hugged, we held hands to keep warm and on the last day skipped (yes skipped) up army lane. What a precious time! Saying goodbye at the army, I didn't know that it was also the last time that I would spend with her. That weekend she fell ill and after a week of intensive care, she ran (and probably skipped) into the arms of Jesus. Ready to claim her eternal reward.

It would've been easy for me to be angry at God for taking her away. It would've been easy for me to blame God for the hurt I felt (and still do). But instead, I was grateful. Grateful that I hadn't gone back to University. Grateful Mum had volunteered me. Grateful to have had that precious time with her. You see, by living in the moment. By skipping up army lane, I had created a bank of happiness, so when she left, yes I hurt, but all I could think about was the happiness I had shared with her.

This advent season, I encourage you to appreciate the little things, live in the moment because if you're not careful, you'll blink and miss it.

This Christmas will be tough not having her here, but knowing where she is - that's the sweetest gift.

Reflect today: How can you become more present today? What can you do to appreciate the moments that will make up your advent season?

Dear Lord,

Sometimes there are no words for how I feel. Sometimes I go through life on autopilot and fail to see the beauty of your creation. Please help me to be more aware and stop and appreciate the world around me. This Christmas please be with those who are grieving for loved ones and help them know that you are in that situation working for our good. Thank you for giving us the blessing of time to spend with others. Help us to use that time wisely.

Amen.