The Microwave Is Too Slow

One of my favorite things to do in life is watch movies with my children. And of course what’s a movie without popcorn. That’s like trying to swim without water; it’s possible, but nowhere near as fun. So there I was, anticipating a great time with my 3 children who at the time were ages 9, 8 and 6. The room is perfect, the lighting is just right and the pillows are strategically placed. All the children are sorted in their “most comfortable” spots on the couch. The movie is loaded and the previews are done. Yes, we watch the previews…you have to know what to Netflix next. So, there I was in the kitchen standing in front of the microwave. I was looking into the family room admiring the scene, filled with anticipation and joy. I looked back at the microwave; it read 1:38 remaining. I was immediately impatient. I was frustrated that it was taking so long. “I just want my popcorn now”! I don’t have time to wait another 1:38. “This microwave is too slow” was the thought that ran through my mind. nnIt was then I was struck with lightening…no, not really, I was hit with several convictions. How have I become so accustomed to “the gotta have it now” mentality. I know what you’re thinking, what an impatient piece of work. But wait a minute, how many of you have ever stood at a street corner waiting for the walk sign while repeatedly pressing the button in hopes that the little white statue appears sooner? Or how many of us have been frustrated with the speed of our internet service. We should be able to download our favorite TV show in seconds, not minutes. May I remind you of just a couple years ago when downloading your favorite episode of “The Office” took the whole lunch hour? Or maybe you’ve been in the drive thru line at a local Jack In the Box and found yourself wishing this fast food was “faster”. So, we are all guilty of being impatient and desiring things to be faster. nnWhat strikes me as ironic is the amount of time I have spent in my life at High School and College graduations, funerals, hospital beds, soccer games, family reunions, birthday parties, and heard some variation of the following statement “wow, it’s amazing to me how fast the time goes”. Do you see where I’m going with this? It’s a lifelong Irony! We are so caught up in the “need for speed” that we don’t take advantage of the priceless moments along the way. nnMoments, life is full of moments. If not for moments, time wouldn’t exist. It takes a day’s full of moments to deem it a day. And it’s the quality of those moments that determines success. When we focus too much of our time on the “faster” we are at risk of “missing out”. The old adage “you never hear the business man say before his death, ‘I wish I would have spent more time in the office”. We as a society must, and I mean must slow down! Now, I’m not speaking of the business world, I of all people understand the need to be current and up to speed, but we MUST not let the desire for speed seep into our personal lives. If the “need for speed” finds its way into your personal relationships, the end result will be relationships based on convenience, not substance. This includes all relationships, marriage, father, mother, sister, brother, daughter, son, friend, neighbor, employee, employer, co-worker, etc. nI have discovered some life principles that have allowed me to “savor” the moments in my life; I would like to share them with you in the next few paragraphs. I trust that as you ponder these principles, you will bring to mind the ones who are closest to you and re-discover the blessings you have been given. n nPrinciple #1 – Perspective nnPerspective is the tool that regulates the amount of sorrow or joy one feels. When we maintain a healthy perspective on life, we avoid the dramatic swings of emotions. The key to using perspective with your moments is to consider condition of those around you. Regardless of the moment, whether joyful or heart wrenching you have it pretty good. I know, hearing this in the midst of a turmoil filled circumstance is the last thing you want to listen to. It was through maintaining a healthy perspective in my most turmoil filled circumstance that I was and am able to overcome seemingly impossible odds. The tools of perspective maintenance are numerous and relative to the individual. You know your circumstance, you understand your plight, and I believe that you are capable of determining your perspective. nnPrinciple #2 – PurposennPurpose is the fuel for all action. Why do you do what you do? This is the most fundamental question we can ask of ourselves. Why do you coach your child’s little league team? Why do you buy Christmas gifts for your spouse? Why do you commute to your office every day? What’s your purpose? Maintaining a healthy purpose will assist you in savoring the moments that accomplish the purpose. nnPrinciple #3 – PreparationnnHow does preparation fit into moment savoring? Great question, here’s what I’ve learned. If we don’t prepare our minds on a consistent basis to look for moments we miss them. When we daily prepare our minds to notice these precious moments we are more apt to take it all in. Take for example, when we attend a professional sporting event. Most of us, anticipate the events of that day, the tailgating, hot dogs, beer, chips, dip, nachos, cheering the wave, etc. We spend ample time preparing our minds and setting expectations. Well, why not translate that preparation to our daily lives. When you wake in the morning, prepare your mind for the experiences that follow. Keep your mind alert to the “great moments”. As you commute home, prepare your mind for the greeting or welcome. Take special notice of your children’s’ facial expression as they see you. Just like anything in life, preparation is key to success. Prepare to savor the moments. nnSo, the days that followed my microwave experience were full of introspective thought. Thoughts of all the moments that I have let pass me by. Moments of Childhood, Fatherhood, Marriage, Family, Career, Friendship, Hardships, Joy, Happiness, and the list goes on and on. Like I mentioned earlier, life is full of moments. It’s what we do these moments that provides us with fulfillment or discontentment. What moments are you letting pass by? Are you focusing too much of your attention on the speed of life instead of the value of life? My only advice to now is to take a breath, look around you and let the moment sink in. Wherever you are, the office, coffee shop, airport, home, ferry, train or plane, look around and let the moment sink in. What has brought you there? Look around and take notice of those around you. Consider their moments, their life stories and experiences. Let the moment sink in, take inventory and appreciate it. Savor all that you have been given. For you never know when the next moment will be your last. n