Our subdivision recently had a speed study conducted on the main thoroughfare. Our community swimming pool, clubhouse, playground, recreation area, and a major school bus stop sits in the valley of two relatively modest hills. Even though there is a posted 25 MPH speed limit, it is rarely (if ever) observed. Sure, some drivers in the neighborhood blatantly ignore it and travel at speeds of their choosing. Needless to say, this frightens many people — Tiffany and me included — whose children frequent those common areas to congregate and recreate. I certainly am one of those known to shake a fist and grumble about those who drive waaaay too fast on that stretch of road; yet admittedly, I’ve done the same at least once or twice in the 9+ years we’ve lived here.
Some concerned residents contacted the City of Newnan to conduct a speed study. The results were eye-opening, and as a result, the city posted a new speed limit sign with radar to alert drivers of their speed as they travel this oft-congested stretch in the subdivision. The goal is awareness, so hopefully drivers will be more cognizant of their speed entering or exiting the neighborhood.
The new sign works, at least for this driver. The other day, I was taking Ethan for a youth group activity and I traveled at a speed I felt was normal for that stretch. As I approached that new sign, it was blinking at me to inform and warn me that I was over the speed limit. And I wasn’t just over the speed limit, I was waaaay over the limit! Like, by a lot! The sign did it’s purpose. I was informed and I’m certainly more aware of my speed in the subdivision.
Now that we’re celebrating the New Year, I couldn’t help but think about how fast things can sneak up on us without realizing it. Granted our family’s 2015 was such a grand, yet strange, year, but I look back and wonder where it went. The changes last year brought to us are head-spinning, so when we say that 2015 seemed to fly by, we’re not kidding. Sure, there were signs along the way flashing at us as though to say, blink and you’ll miss this, yet due to circumstances — many of our choosing and to our delight — we were looking ahead to where we wanted to be and not as present in the moment. As a result, the year blew by us at an astonishing rate.
Time does fly, doesn’t it? Even in the moments when it seems to crawl, we reflect in the aftermath and wonder where it went. This is so true for us as we waited on word to travel to China, because it seemed to never come. Yet the night before we left, we didn’t sleep, because there wasn’t enough time to get everything done. While we were in China for two weeks, it seemed like we’d never get home. Looking back, though, there are things we miss and wish we could have made more memories with Mia in her homeland. Then getting home, and dealing with the challenges of illnesses and sleep deprivation, we couldn’t wait for things to normalize. But today, we think back and wish we could have some of those days and nights back to do things differently for Mia. And all the while, we look back over Ethan’s 13+ years and wish we could get the 3-year-old version of him back to parent him then with what we know now.
And therein lies the rub, doesn’t it? Too often we take this same approach to life — if I knew then what I know now, I’d do it differently. Well, a New Year provides us with a version of that every time we change our calendars. Was last year’s Valentine’s Day, birthday, anniversary, or Christmas gift a flop? You have a chance to do better this year. Didn’t adequately prioritize family and friends in the face of other demands? Use the rhythms of last year to plan better for this year.
Didn’t take advantage of spiritual seasons and opportunities to connect with God and others at a deeper level? Make and stick with a plan to spend time with God daily, worship weekly, and service regularly. However you might look back at 2015 with an eye to 2016, remember that life is so much more than the tyrannically urgent demands that seem to gobble up our precious moments.
As I begin 2016 with all the challenges and opportunities it will deliver — from those I know of, to the possibilities I’m aware of, and the surprises I can’t even begin to fathom — I want to resolve to be more present in the moment…for those dwindling trips I’ll have to drive Ethan to school or church; for those moments I’ll have to cuddle a little toddler yearning for trust and predictability in her new family; for those times I can surprise my bride with a hug, a kiss, and maybe a flower to let her know she’s loved and cherished; for those moments I get to walk with families during times like weddings, funerals, and other watershed events; and for those times when I get to take advantage of the opportunities to pause, rest, and be alone with God, even while other things seem to distract my attention.
Time flies…my, how it flies…and we all have moments we’d give anything to get back. As we begin a New Year, maybe your prayer is like mine, to better enjoy the moments you’re in, so this time next year there’s more to celebrate and less to want back. Let’s aim to be present in every moment for those that are truly most important, and be available for God to use us fully, so 2016 can be a year unlike any other.
Happy New Year, and Love Always,
Pastor Mark
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