Time Stamps

When you reach a certain age, you tend to measure time a little differently. For the bulk of our lives, most of us are looking ahead at what is yet to come. Our time is spent advancing to the next goal, the next big thing. Likewise, most people who reach the later decades of their lifespan measure time by the moments that have passed, how far they've come, and all the things they've done.

I think I'm in the sweet spot where I'm focused on the now, whatever moment I'm in, wherever I'm at, whomever I'm with.

I've learned to appreciate all that came before me without worry of what is yet to come.

I call them TIME STAMPS and post them in my memory.

It's like climbing a mountain. I may find a nice, little resting spot with a beautiful view where I can sit and appreciate the scenery. I may feel content and inclined to just stay there. But, if I keep going, I will eventually reach the peak and find an even more satisfying resting place with even grander views. How long should I remain? I don't want to rush back down, but I certainly can't stay there forever.

So, I make a TIME STAMP.

Much richer than photos, a TIME STAMP involves all the senses. I capture the "mountaintop" moment in my heart and mind with nothing between me and my surroundings. Wherever I am, I pause to soak it all in. See the beauty. Hear the sounds. Smell the aromas. Feel the air on my skin.

As I begin my departure from the peak, it doesn't have to feel like descent, even though the only way out is downward. The joy of the experience isn't completely gone because I carry my TIME STAMP with me. This makes the rest of my journey so much richer. Each subsequent resting place and panorama will remind me of the one at the top. With the treasure of the peak TIME STAMP, it's easier to make new ones along the way because of my new appreciation of the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations wherever I may be.

Yesterday was my birthday 🥳 It's not quite a pivotal one -- I'm 'round-up 60' years old (59)😅 That age sure feels a lot younger than it used to, but the wrinkles, grey highlights, and my knees are telling me I'm older than I used to be (and maybe older than I want to be). Still, I'm at peace with all that reaching this age has brought me. I have many wonderful TIME STAMPS over my almost 60 years, with a tremendous PEAK TIME STAMP from last weekend. I spent three days with all my children and grandchildren and some bonus extended family members to celebrate my youngest child's college graduation. What a monumental moment for our family to mark this accomplishment! All of my children are officially independently adulting!

Throughout those three days, I carried the grandbabies more than my phone, and I looked at everyone eye-to-eye more often than through a camera lens. The house was filled with voices and precious faces and laughter and hugs 🥰🥰🥰🥰 my happy space! There were constant conversations with much joyous sharing. It was a bit like Pentecost with so many different ages gathered together from six states, yet sharing common stories and making new memories. The Holy Spirit was most definitely present ❤️‍🔥

When they had all left and I was making my way back home where it would be very still and quiet, I wondered how the disciples felt the day after Pentecost .... and the week after, and the months after. Then, I realized that Jesus left them a TIME STAMP so they could recall the events and call upon the Holy Spirit time and time again. Although they were no longer in the company of each other, they weren't alone. The Spirit remained.

(Read last week's post, Can we truly Grasp it? )

So, today I sit here alone where all is quiet, except the nature sounds outside my window. But, I'm not sad in this space. I am held up by my newest, treasured TIME STAMP. This makes my coffee smell richer, the birds sound sweeter, and the breeze feels more refreshing on my porch. I'm not dwelling on missed opportunities from the past, nor am I worried about what will come next. I don't need to search for space to create new TIME STAMPS, they find me in unexpected moments. I just need to pay attention and recognize the gifts.

MY BIRTHDAY WAS FILLED WITH BLESSINGS

May 16, 2024 @ 5:50 am, Brandon MS

TIME STAMP ~ I was greeted with a beautiful, colorful sunrise painted by God for my morning prayer time!

TIME STAMP ~ My wonderful children and grandchildren sent me lots of kisses and birthday wishes on video and Facetime!

TIME STAMP ~ My family and friends sent me greetings filled with love and joy!

TIME STAMP ~ I was treated to lunch with a friend, and the manager gave us a discount!

TIME STAMP ~ The bill for my car repair was lower than expected!

TIME STAMP ~ I visited with an old friend and met new people at the repair shop!

TIME STAMP ~ I attended Mass, then met some dear friends to raise a glass to another year of fun and friendship!

Thursday's Gospel Reading is another TIME STAMP Jesus left for His followers. These are His final recorded words on their last night together.

Jesus prayed: Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them." John 17:25-26

I read a reflection recently that said Jesus prayed for us, so we can be the answer to His prayers by the way we live our lives. That is powerful to sit with!

It seems so straightforward with this Scripture passage. When Jesus was preparing for His impending suffering and death, He was thinking of us. He came to teach us about God's love for us. We believe Jesus knows God and was sent by Him.

God loves us. Jesus was sent by God to extend His love to us. The all-powerful love of God remains with us. Jesus prays that we may all be one in Him, as He is one with the Father.

(Read John 17)

He protects us, guards, us, saves the lost, brings complete joy, gives us the Word, and has consecrated us. He gives us everything we need to be the people He wants us to be.

So, how can we be the answer to Jesus' prayer?

We can be the makers of TIME STAMPS of LOVE.

Love of ourselves and others.

Just as God loves through Jesus, Jesus loves through us.

Speak God's love for you. Speak your love for God. Be God's Love. Hold onto the TIME STAMPs!!!