Hello, friends. Strong storms blew through my neck of the woods last night, which was definitely a surprise for mid-December! Hearing rain patter on our roof and even the sound of wind rattling the windows was soothing. And then the day dawned bright and clear, with only the stray limbs in our yard as proof of the late fall storm.

If I would’ve blinked, I would’ve missed it. But thankfully, I was lying in bed with nothing to distract me during the short stormy moment.

This morning, I thought about how much of life I miss while I’m distracted by one thing or another. Whether it be our phones or our own thoughts, it’s easy to miss important things that are going on around us while our attention is elsewhere.

And really, isn’t everything we experience important? Even “mundane” things add value to our lives and help to shape who we are and what we become.

There is a purpose in all of our experiences. They bring us joy, help us grow, teach us things, or bring us rest. So shouldn’t we experience them fully?

I’ve found that when I look at life with awe, it seems like the world comes alive. When I notice the feel of my child’s hand in mind, the weave of the fabric touching my skin, or sunlight shining through a window, I feel like I’m living in a big ol’ miracle. Surrounded by it, and yet I let so much of it pass me by instead of taking it in fully.

While thinking is a very important activity, we shouldn’t always live inside of our own heads. Likewise, technology has added so much value to our lives…but, we should understand that there is a time and place for it.

I’ve challenged myself lately to look at my phone less, and pay attention to what’s going on around me more. While I still use my phone for business things like Joyfully Made and my author things, I’m definitely on it a lot less.

Instead, when I sit in my cozy spot on the couch I’ve been reading and writing. Oh, and talking to my family. I love being a wife and mama, and it’s such a joy to be surrounded by family.

I want to cherish each moment that’s given to me. To feel each breath I take, and enjoy everything I experience, knowing it may never happen again.

What a shame it would be if I missed it!

How about we challenge ourselves to notice more, and worry less? To have a sort of reverence towards our experiences, knowing they were given to us for a purpose?

I think this may be just the start we need to live our lives well.

Proverbs 20:5 says, “The purposes/counsel in a person’s heart are like deep water, but a person of understanding will draw it out.” I tend to think that not only will a person of understanding draw out our purpose, but that life itself will if we face it fully with an open heart.

Thank you so much for stopping by today, dear friend. May your day be blessed!