I’ve been thinking a lot about life lately, yea kinda on the large scale. Thinking about time, how things change, life moves on, events keep flying by.
There were two things that were particularly on my mind.
1) Live in the present.
Rob Bell has a quote from his upcoming NOOMA disc entitled “Today”"There’s a certain kind of despair that sets in when we believe that things were better back then, When we’re stuck back there… when we’re not fully present, when we’re still holiding on to how things were, our arms aren’t free to embrace today”
There’s nothing wrong with looking back at wonderful memories and reminiscing joys and laughs shared in the past. That’s part of the miracle that makes up memories. I mean, have you ever stopped to think “Wow, I’m glad I have those memories. I cherish those memories.” If not, maybe it’s something you shouldthink about doing… Imagine life without memories. If you’ve ever had a loved one struggling with alzheimer’s you can imagine the challenge that it wouldbe. It would be lonely to be without our memories and they’re truly a blessing…. however, at the same time if we forever live and remain in thosemoments we are actually holding ourselves back.
At the same time, have you ever caught yourself constantly living for tomorrow? “When I do ______”… or “I can’t wait until _____”. How about”Only 3 more days and then this is over!” I raise my hand to that one because I’m definitely guilty of that. I have one friend imparticular that comesto mind from growing up - she always lived in the future. Always planning another event, always waiting on tomorrow… but I often wondered if she paused toenjoy today. It’s a definite balance, although really when you think about it, the future is unknown. I mean, nobody knows what’s going to happen tomorrow…I really feel challenged to live in the now. Enjoy today, this moment. It’s a gift because it’s the future that you actually have - it’s certain. It’s happening right now!
2) Live each moment to the fullest.
Now don’t get me wrong and misinterpret me here. I’m not saying to party like there’s no tomorrow or to go and start doing wreckless things… But startto realize and enjoy life’s little moments. Look outside: is it raining? cloudy? sunny? snowing? certainly not boring. Maybe i’m going all mushy to some of you but just pause to think about it. Tuesday night I went out and just stood in the rain with my roommate Dawn. It was a nice feeling… I rememberas a child you feel like you have all the time in the world. As an adult you feel that you never had enough. So where in between do we lose that? I think it’s something we have to consciously take back or else we won’t end up enjoying it. Of course there are responsibilities. For many of my friends rightnow we’re in school, in fact in “crunch time” right now. It’s a blessing to be here! So many people don’t get this opportunity to learn and to be taughtby insightful professors with international insight and experience. Sitting in a room with other friends in silence. It’s actually really nice - enjoyit. Music, listen to the words. Look anywhere around you and see the beauty of creation. It’s spectacular! And I think as we’re exposed to it for so longwe just begin to take it for granted. The world is full enough of tragedy, pain and brokenness…. but not everything is broken. Enjoy the beauty andsimplicity of each moment.
Also, I really am starting to become more of the mindset that when you have a new opportunity, go for it!! (Again, of course acting with reason andcommon sense) But is there something you haven’t done? Your friends going somewhere you’ve never gone? “I’ll do that someday”. How do you know that? It’sgreat to plan… but do it now! It’s a strange example to some of you, but I’ll keep using it as an example. If i continued the way I used to be, I’d neverpick up volleyball or tennis racket. Yea, I definitely wasn’t born brimming with athletic ability. haha… I used to be the type of person who always gotpicked last, i almost always get hit (in the face no less) by the ball in almost all sports, etc. Ok, you get the picture enough of that. hahaha…. anyways lately i’ve just ignored that part and gotten out to play volleyball, badminton, just to be outside. and i’ve really enjoyed it! too tame for you? put it in your own context… what are you missing out on just for the sake of missing it?
I’ve had a lot of my friends say “I could never do what you’re doing… that’s crazy!” Well, not everybody is called to move halfway around the world orto work internationally. It’s the same way not everyone is called to be a firefighter or to work in the police force. But who’s to say that you can’t do it? Start looking for places to volunteer? Stop spending $6 a day at starbucks (not directed at anybody…i promise i know tons of you that read this go theredaily hehe). it’s just to say that… you can do it if you really want to. there are tons of ways to get involved.
Life has responsibilities and I would never suggest to desert them. However, life is full of opportunities! Don’t miss them.
Have I had a few things on my mind? Yea I have 
hehe… Live in the present and live each moment to the fullest! Don’t let life pass you by!
Nisreen’s Baby Shower
