By Joe Mazella
I was driving home from the post office the other day on a two lane road. I rounded a curve into a tiny straight away and saw a car in the other lane moving along at a good speed. Suddenly a silver pick-up truck pulled around the first car fast and was driving right towards me. I could feel my eyes opening wide and my heart skipping a beat. I braked hard and pulled over onto the gravel berm as the truck zoomed by narrowly missing me. I let a few choice words out of my mouth that I don’t normally say. Then I caught myself and instead thanked God for once again keeping me safe. I also said a prayer for the driver of the silver pick-up that he would learn to slow down before it was too late.
When I got home I looked at the sign I have hanging in my bathroom. It says: “Slow down and enjoy today.” I try to read it often and take its message to heart. I remembered when I was like the driver that almost hit me. I would rush through my days, missing the beauty all around me. I would be chasing the future without enjoying the present. I would miss the moments of love and joy that each day brings in pursuit of some far off happiness that never arrived. I thanked God again for being patient with me until I finally learned the truth. Life can only be lived in the NOW. Each moment is a priceless gift. And it is up to us to make the most of it.
Slow down and enjoy today then. Sip your coffee instead of gulping it. Watch the sunrise and gaze at the moon and stars at night. Hug your children. Pet your dogs and cats. Smell the flowers in the Spring and the dry leaves in the Fall. Stand outside in the snow and delight in its beauty. Share your love, your kindness, and your joy moment by precious moment.
Life is best lived in the slow lane. God didn’t put us here to rush through our days. God put us here to fill each moment with Love. May you always do so.
