 |
| image via |
A popular slogan says, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." I see the phrase everywhere, on everything from T-shirts to pieces of art. It's a catchy phrase, but I think it's misleading.
If we measure life by breathtaking moments, we miss the wonder of ordinary moments. Eatin, sleeping, and breathing seem "ordinary" in that we do them every day, usually without much thought. But they are not ordinary at all. Every bite and every breath are miracles. In fact, having breath is more miraculous than anything that takes our breath away.
King Solomon may have had more breathtaking moments than anyone. He said, "I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure" (Eccl. 2:10). But he expressed cynicism about it saying, "All of it meaningless" (v.17 NIV).
Solomon's life reminds us that it's important to find joy in "ordinary" things, for they are indeed wonderful. Bigger is not always better. More is not always an improvement. Busier doesn't make us more important.
Rather than look for meaning in breathtaking moments, we should find meaning in every breath we take, and make every breath meaningful.
Very true words! Great post.
ReplyDeletethank you Chelsea!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading this :) So odd that I was just talking about this with a friend today.. not in those exact words but similar enough.
ReplyDeleteHi Eva, thanks for passing by. Don't you just love when that happens? Such a good message to talk about...
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with this! It's so important not to overlook the ordinary moments of life. I've learned a lot about that lately! God desires for us to honor him in small things, as well as big things.
ReplyDeletewow, so true! that's amazing.
ReplyDeletei always knew something about that quote bugged me a little...now the reason is pinned. thank you for posting this...pretty inspiring.