Precious Moments

The traditional Precious Moments Thanksgiving piece is out. Yes. I am a Precious Moments girl. I grew up being a fan and collector of these unique figurines that offered a gentle, inspirational message.

The main reason I was drawn to these special sculptures is this is how I have tried to live my life - recognizing each moment as precious.

When you lose a loved one and you’ve had a lifetime of Precious Moments together, along with the peace of knowing they’re with Jesus, you have a special gratitude you didn’t expect. Having exhausted every minute of life - enjoying each other, laughing together, respecting the other person - precious moments have been undeniably experienced.

I shared a picture with a friend on her birthday. It was from our cheerleading days in high school. She couldn’t remember the details. That’s okay - there’s nothing wrong with that. She was stunned that I was able to answer her questions. For me, these times together we knew as high school friends were precious moments.

The wedding for my husband and me had a theme …long before that was a thing (to show my age😉). It was - wait for it - PRECIOUS MOMENTS. I even wrote a poem with this title. A brother-in-law of my husband’s turned it into a song at the suggestion of his mom. Our wedding - and all involved - was a very special precious moment, to me.

Though to some this might seem strange or even mockable - I assure you, for me, it has been an awesome adventure and precious journey to live each day. I value people, respect relationships, and love bigger than myself. It has brought heartache, confusion, and sadness at times when not reciprocated the same. However, prayer and years allowed wisdom to settle in. This gave me understanding after enduring that I was who God made me to be. It has been good to carry on as I am and with the Lord, as well as, accepting others for who they are. I have learned that I tried and continue to endeavor to extend the love of the Lord to all. This has always been …it is …who I am.

I have so many memories and precious moments I could write about. Each dear school friend, precious lifelong bestie, fun co-worker, encouraging church buddy, loving family member, enjoyable coffee date, supportive life teacher …and so many more …have given me precious moments that I treasure.

I was truly blessed to grow up with a close family. My parents, grandparents, aunt, and uncle, along with my brother and cousins always had a wonderful relationship. My brother and our families, as well as, our cousins have suffered great loss in the last year with the passing of family members. However, as always, we were and are there for each other. The showing up for one another in good times and bad is just another precious moment I value and hold in my heart.

I cherish the precious moments we have and those to come with who we have now. I am beyond grateful for my amazing husband, incredible sons, and beautiful daughter-in-love. There are so many precious moments I ponder and embrace …l am looking forward, as there is so much more to come.

Mostly - I give thanks to my God. For without Him, I am nothing. It is not lost on me the countless precious moments I have known with my Jesus.

May we recognize the wonder God has bestowed in our lives today. Let's give a hug, share what someone means to us, even offer an over-due I love you. We all need to welcome the occasions to gather with those in our world, stay in touch with family and friends far away, and be thankful for each one. Let it be that we also take a minute to praise God for the precious moments we encounter with Him.

As Thanksgiving is approaching next week, I want to encourage you - if you don’t already - be intentional to pause and relish the precious moments you will have with your magnificent family and friends. My prayer for you is that you capture in your every day with each one in your life …these Precious Moments.

I am thankful for you, dear Reader, and I wish you and yours a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving🍁