Summer is a popular time on Cape Cod so I was not surprised to see that a line had formed at the local coffee shop. After I had placed my order I watched folks quickly exit the shop with iced and hot coffees in hand, including those who had ordered after me. I gently inquired about my coffee and was apologetically told that it must have been taken by another customer. I finally received my drink and thanked the gals behind the counter for working so hard. As I was leaving the shop, another customer quickly stopped me and questioned the reason for my kindness to the staff in light of the long wait time. I looked at him quizzically and responded that I’ve learned it’s better to live each moment in love, rather than negativity, no matter my life circumstance. I encouraged him to give it a try.
On the beach road near my home there is a small ocean-worn cottage with a sign which reads, Enjoy the Moment. It’s not a fancy place—but probably one of the most beautifully inviting homes thanks to the carefully placed Adirondack chairs on the front porch, the colorful summer flowers spilling over the rim of the white window boxes and the delicate lace curtains blowing softly through the open windows. This home was my Mom’s very favorite house on the road. We used to happily take our walks by it together commenting on the draw of its simple beauty. Just looking at it made us feel grateful for time spent together on Cape Cod. I walk by the house alone now— reminded that the message it portrays is even more important today than it was a few years ago—Enjoy The Moment.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us to live confidently in the present moment of each day, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34) I’ve always loved this verse as it encourages me to focus my mind and energy on just the business of the current day. Sadly, I have found this task challenging to practice faithfully. But I know from experience that I’ve wasted precious current moments by worrying about things that have actually never happened. I try to remind myself of this reality every time I slip into anxiety about something and out of enjoying the moment.
Like the beauty of the cottage on the ocean road, real joy and peace come from appreciating life’s daily blessings—one moment at a time. They also come from staying in the current moment no matter our life circumstance—like a misplaced coffee order. Responding well to daily challenges can help us grow in virtue and become the person God created us to be. Enjoy the Moment with confidence knowing that tomorrow will take care of itself. God always has our back.
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