Enjoying the Simple Things

by Lisa Harris

I've been doing a lot of running these past few months. We're currently on furlough in the US which means hundreds of miles of travel, a new bed every few nights, and way too much delicious food. We've visited with families, and churches, caught up with friends, and shared updates on our ministry. In the midst of this, I've been busy getting our two older children settled in the US, homeschooling, writing two books, and launching two other books. It's been a wonderful time of encouragement for our family, and I'm so grateful to everyone who has hosted us and spent time with us. But I have to say, I'm tired.

I'm sure most of you know how so easy to get lost in the business of life. It's easy to miss seeing the simple things right in front of us. The little things that make us remember what is really important. Things like family, faith, friendships, and the unexpected beauty around us. Now with the Christmas season in front of us, life will probably get even busier for most of us. It's so easy to rush around, planning, organizing, and in the process we forget the true reason for the season. 

But how can we slow down?

1. Make time for what matters.

What's important to you right now? Sometimes we have to say no to one thing in order to say yes to something else. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices, so the urgent doesn't push aside what's really important. 

2. Live in the moment.

How many of us multitask? We're doing one thing while always thinking about the next thing that has to be done. And in doing so, we often miss out on what's really more important. Yep. . .I'm so guilty of this. Lost in my to-do list, more interested in crossing things off then living in the moment. Don't let the business of the season make you miss what's right in front of you. Stop. Listen to your kids or your spouse. Take time to enjoy beauty around you. Do something nice for your neighbor or a co-worker. Drink a cup of tea. Watch a movie with a friend. Invite someone over for dinner. And when you're there, be in the moment.

3. Live happily ever after.

In my books, I always have a happy ending. I love it when the bad guys are caught and the heroine and hero realize that they love each other. Movies with happy endings make me smile. And I like to smile. We all know that in real life doesn't always have an ending you'd want to put in a book. Real life is messy, full of both laughter and tears. But I've always been a glass half full kind of person. I want to see the best in people. Believe that God can bring healing and restoration. Isn't that why he sent his son to be born in a stable? So that we could be redeemed and live with him forever in heaven.    

Romans 8:18 says "...what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later." 

What do you do when you feel like life has you running and you need to slow down and focus on what's really important? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

I'm praying that each one of you have a blessed Christmas seasons and take time to enjoy the good things around you!

Lisa Harris

Visit my website to find out about my books. Best selling romantic suspense!