Resolution Part 3: Savor the Experience

"What a wonderful life I've had. I only wish I had realized it sooner."
(French writer Colette)

Savor: To perceive with relish, to give oneself to the enjoyment of.

I'm thinking that resolution #3 might be the best of the bunch. At least the most fun. I certainly can use more of that in my life! From the definition of "savor", it would seem that a part of being able to put the word into action, one must have an attitude deliberately turned towards the act - to perceive with relish. And that doesn't mean pass the ketchup or mustard! The word relish means to take pleasure in. In order to do that one must first be PRESENT.

"Leave the past to God's mercy. Leave the future to God's discretion. This moment is all there is."

(from "Spiritual Literacy" by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat)

Being in the present connects intimately with Paying Attention. It takes practice. That involves a certain kind of mental exercising. How often have I caught myself thinking about what's going to happen tomorrow or how foolish I was yesterday? As children, we want to hurry and grow up and we want it to happen quickly. As we get older, we tend to look back over our life and wonder, "What if?" or "Why did that happen?" While it is helpful to have goals for the future and learn from the past, I believe that much can be learned from dwelling in the NOW. Thinking of tomorrow can fill us with hope, excitement, fear or dread. Thinking of the past makes us feel sad, regretful, relieved and content. Being in the present can bring pain, but it also brings us joy, pleasure, fun and a sense of awe and wonder!

Savoring the Experience can be greatly enhanced by Accepting Grace. "To accept this gift (of grace) is to step into a world that is larger, deeper, richer and fuller." (Spiritual Literacy, pg. 182) For me, Accepting Grace means allowing myself to believe the truth that I am beloved of God - just as I am. Because He is worthy and living in me, I am also worthy. I am set FREE when I truly understand what it means to rest in God's Grace! That freedom brings true excitement, joy and awe. It is only when I am free from judging myself and others and free from expecting certain behaviors from all of us, that I can really savor life day. Grace gives freedom to savor the experience.

Go lightly, tread softly,

Some things are best left as they are,

Let go, let be, don't try to change it,

Just simply walk away.

Pay close attention, be alert,

Who knows what you might see?

Beauty, truth and something new

There's meaning in every day.

Savor, relish, just enjoy,

Experience the present moment,

Live in the now, accept the grace,

You'll find joy is in the play.

Happy New Year, 2009

- Lindylou