The Years Are Short
Happy 2023, everyone!
I’ll be honest, typing out “2023” felt really weird. It seems we just started 2022, but here we are, starting yet another year. That old saying “The days are long but the years are short” has never made more sense to me.
I was in a session with my therapist recently and I was explaining how overwhelmed I was feeling with a lot in my upcoming schedule to do and I said to her “If I can just get through this weekend, then I’ll be able to…” and she stopped me right there and said, “You know, you say that often. ‘If I can just get through this next…fill in the blank…’ Maybe you should stop looking at your life as something to “get through” and instead, figure out a way to enjoy each day. If not the the whole day, find at least something in each day you can look forward to.”
She was so right. I had gotten in a bad habit of focusing on the difficult parts of my life, rather than appreciating the lovely moments in each day… and there are almost always lovely moments, even on the hardest of days.
This time of year I think we all tend to reflect on the previous year and what worked for us and what didn’t. Usually I have some idea of what my next year will look like, but 2023 is the first year in a long while for me that is pretty much a blank canvas. That is both exciting and terrifying! However, it does give me the opportunity to do exactly what my therapist said I should do — be more intentional about creating a life I enjoy.
You may not be looking at a blank canvas. You may be feeling stuck in a cycle that you can’t imagine breaking out of. Same old day in/day out. Not seeing any way to make changes. I have been there too, many times. However, I have learned that even when I can’t change my circumstances, I can change my perspective, my reaction or my attitude about my circumstances.
Slowing down to be fully present in my life always helps me. It helps me see things I usually don’t see because I’m rushing to “get through” the next thing on my to-do list.
“… the years are short.”
I saw this video the other day and I loved it:
Such a good reminder that the simple, ordinary, mundane things in life ARE life. If we aren’t appreciating the “bus rides”, and instead choose to just “get through” them while waiting for the big, exciting, extraordinary moments to WOW us, then we really are missing out.
As a small child, I remember our Sunday School teachers teaching us Bible verses by using simple songs and melodies to help them stick in our heads. Psalm 118:24 was one that I can still sing to this day. All you good Southern Baptists sing along now!
🎵“This is the day — this is the day, that the Lord has made (that the Lord has made.) I will rejoice — I will rejoice, and be glad in (and be glad in it). This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day — this is the day, that the Lord - has - made.” 🎵
Seriously… that one is seared into my brain. But I’m glad, because it’s the truth. Today IS the day that God has made - not for us to “get through” but to be glad in it. To enjoy. And quite frankly, today is all we are promised. Tomorrow is iffy.
So, this morning, on this 1st day of 2023, I stare at that the blank canvas ahead of me and know only one thing: That my main goal is learning to truly appreciate each day that I am given because honestly… the years are getting way too stinkin’ short.
A prayer to start 2023:
“Lord, I receive today as a precious gift from You. I realize that the present moment is where You meet with me. This is the day that You have made. I know You have carefully prepared it for me—with tender attention to every detail. So I have good reason to rejoice and be glad in this day!
As I journey along the path of Life, I’ll search for signs of Your loving Presence. I delight in finding the little blessings You sprinkle alongside my pathway—sometimes in surprising places. As I discover them, I’ll thank You for each one. This keeps me close to You and helps me find Joy in my journey.“*
Good luck with 2023, everyone. May we all find meaning in the days ahead…
Love, M
What I’m digging right now:
Book: “Should I Stay a Christian?” By Brian McLaren. His earlier book, “Faith After Doubt” probably saved my faith about 3 years ago. This one is a bit harder to read but still so very good.
Podcast: Ep 1370 of the WTF podcast with host Marc Maron. As a life-long Disney fan, his interview with Abigail Disney was both heartbreaking and inspiring. They discuss growing up Disney as well as her new documentary, “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales.” That doc is now on my list to watch.
On the tube: Currently enjoying Season Five of “The Crown” on Netflix. I know, I know - several royals and people “in the know” have criticized it for being too fictionalized. However, I gotta say, Ep 5 may have just redeemed King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla in my eyes a bit.
*quote from Jan 1st Jesus Listens devotional by Sarah Young.