Are you just living for the big moments?

Recently, a coworker said something to me that I dismissed because I found it puzzling: “You are different and I don’t understand why. It’s almost like you don’t let anything bother you.”

In reflecting, I found myself thinking of persons who have made similar comments to me: “You have a spark that draws people to you.”, “You have this energy that is so different.” 

In the rare moments when I am not overcome by embarrassment of being singled out, my response is normally along the lines of “It’s not me but the Christ in me.”

I recently watched a movie called Soul (see trailer below) that really got me thinking about what could be defined as the “Christ in me.”

Soul served as a reminder that oftentimes we spend our lives just living for the big moments. The moment when our big dream or goal will be realized (e.g. being recognized, getting a promotion, finding love and getting married, getting a dream job, getting a degree or passing an exam we have been studying for, etc.). The moment when we will go off on vacation and do what we actually want to do. The moment when we buy our home. All moments….

Yet, little do we think about what happens after the moment comes to pass. We feel euphoric for a while but then the euphoric wears off. Sometimes in minutes, hours, days, weeks, months…but it does wear off and we are left chasing the next big moment and then the next big moment…. For example: For 3 years, I dreamed of gaining a major professional certification. This year, I finally executed the steps to achieving the goal and on October 30, I accomplished it. To say I was ecstatic was the least but the happiness only lasted for a few days before I was back on the grind chasing the next big moment. 

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that chasing the big moments are not important but we shouldn’t take the “small” moments for granted. Just stop and dream with me….What if we lived a life that was not just focused on the next big moment that we are chasing. It would mean that we are living life in a manner that teaches us to savor and find joy in the small every day moments like taking a walk, interacting with strangers and smelling the flowers. We would find pleasure in watching the moonlight or just enjoying a new song/movie/book or just sitting in silence or talking and laughing with the persons we love or just feeling the sand between our toes. We would truly be present and live every minute of our lives.

P.S. Jesus knew what his big moment (purpose) was. He was meant to be crucified for our sins but that did not stop Him from living a life that savored the small moments… He enjoyed spending time with His friends. He went up into the mountain for alone time. He interacted and showed grace and compassion to strangers. It is through the small moments that we get the incredible occurrences and miracles of the Gospels.