Having the time of my life, every single day!

We live in a culture that has romanticized life.  It is not truly satisfying unless we are engaged in some type of thrilling adventure, blissful romance, dream vacation, etc.  Society has even given a phrase for such moments:  the time of my life.  These times may satisfy our endless desires for a brief moment, but they are fleeting.  All too quickly, they slip away and leave us waiting and wishing for the next glorious "time of our life" moment.

I am just as guilty as the next person.  I teach school, and sometimes I fear that I wish my life away. I find myself saying, "Only two more weeks until Christmas break."  Then I count down the days until it finally arrives.  I have the time of my life during that break, but soon it is over.  I find myself driving back to school longing for spring break, where my next big adventure awaits.

A young friend on Facebook posted a status yesterday that got me to thinking about all of this.  Is it the time of our life or our life at the time?  When I first read the question, it didn't click with me.  Then I read it again, and it made all the sense in the world.  Instead of longing and wishing for those special "time of my life" moments, why do I not  celebrate life in every precious day that God has given me?
I started thinking about all the "life at the time" moments that I can celebrate, even on a dreary Monday morning.

• Taking a few extra minutes in the morning to walk in and just look at my beautiful, sleeping daughters. They are so quickly becoming young women.  But when I see them serenely sleeping, they are still my baby girls for that precious moment.
• Watching with joy as one of my students who has struggled for months finally "gets it."  I celebrate that deep satisfaction in being a small part of the process of "turning on the lightbulb" in those young minds.
• I want to make random strangers smile, especially when they look as if they are having a bad day.  
• I want my laughter to be easily recognized.  I don't want to be wound so tightly in my classroom that I cannot relax and laugh when a student says something funny.
• Even mundane tasks like cleaning house have more life if I am singing at the top of my lungs.

We need to be more intentional about looking for ways to celebrate our lives at the precious given time.  Honestly, sometimes it is easier to be negative about life and always wish for that "time of our life" moment to make everything better.  I have learned many things in my life, but one thing stands out.  Those people who celebrate life and look for positive ways to treasure the moments we are given seem to be the happiest and most content people.  I hope that I can be that person.

I came across this beautiful poem today.  I believe that it explains this concept better than I ever could.

The Best Day Of My Life

Gregory M Lousignont

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever! There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did! And because I did I'm going to celebrate!

Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger.

I will go through this day with my head held high, and a happy heart. I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds. Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice.

Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people. I'll make someone smile. I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know.

Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is, and I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for her and how much she means to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me.

I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.

And tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.

As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life. And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child, excited with expectation because know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life, ever!

Ecclesiastes 8:15 (GOD’S WORD Translation)

So I recommend the enjoyment of life. People have nothing better to do under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy themselves. This joy will stay with them while they work hard during their brief lives which God has given them under the sun.