Accumulate Experiences-by Heidi McLaughlin
Posted: November 7, 2021
Pumpkins are put away, and in Canada, the Christmas wreaths will soon be adorning the front doors. Quite frankly November is one of those in between, dreary months. And with the oncoming time change it will soon be dark when we get up in the morning and dark while eating supper. One of my least favourite times of the year. The trees are almost bare, the vineyards have lost their colour and I can smell the oncoming snowflakes. Not enticing for a fun loving, outdoor energetic person.
f I’ve learned anything in the past 21 months it’s that life can evaporate without meaning if I don’t intentionally embrace it. And with Covid still lurking and hovering in the sidelines, let’s spur each other on to ignore fear and NOT become “lazy-boy Christians.”
I’ve decided I’d rather accumulate memories than accumulate more possessions. I’ve needed so little in the last 20 months. Certainly not new clothes for speaking engagements, or social functions. All I need for Zoom meetings is pretty up the top part of my body and I’m good to go with jogging pants and slippers. So if dreariness and Covid are going to be relentless in trying to stop me, I will also be relentless in pursuing wisdom to create memorable experiences and joy. I choose to live by the exciting and living power of the Holy Spirit who makes everything new every morning. The Bible tells us: “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days” (Ephesians 5:16 NLT).
Did you read that? “Make the most…accumulate experiences.” I’m at the point in my life where I’ve learned to embrace each day and opportunity with passion. With a group of like-minded friends I conquer and feast on new hiking experiences right where I live. Right now I’m in Alberta looking after grandchildren and when they’re in school I’m walking the long, straight prairie roads. God’s creation is magnificent, and beauty can be found in every part of the world. Try a new coffee drink, take a chance on a book with a different author. Ask someone to join you on a walk, join a new Bible study group. Decide to make the most of these dark days to bring light into your spirit. And before you know it you will accumulate new experiences, make lasting memories and feast on JOY.
Covid has robbed us of so much, let’s not be fools and waste opportunities. If you don’t know how to start, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show you and guide you. Then with eyes and ears wide open, wait for the nudge of the Holy Spirit on how to move forward. I would love for you to leave a comment and tell us what new experience you are accumulating. God be with you.
