“Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace” (Frederick Beuchner).

Sometimes, all you have to do is to keep your ears and eyes open for something good to happen.

So many people are rushing on to the next big event in their lives that they don’t have time (or won’t take the time) to look around. They never stop and smell any roses as they barrel down the interstate going 90.

But life is a one-shot deal. You don’t  get a do-over if you get to the end and realized you missed out on all the important stuff while chasing trends and keeping up with the proverbial Joneses.

I heard it in a sermon once and I think it is so true: you have to create margins in your schedule, breathing room so you’re not running 24/7 all week long. I’d add that you have to cultivate quietness and stillness in your life in order to hear from God on a consistent basis.

Some of the best moments in my life have come when I am wide-eyed, expectant, and looking for what God has for me in the moment. If I had been focused in the past on what I could have done better or in the future playing out possible scenarios, I would have missed them.

The truth is you will never have time unless you make time, and you will always make time for what you consider important. So make time for people instead of your to-do list. The world won’t end if every single item on your list isn’t checked off at the end of the day.

You will never get to the end of your life and regret not having worked more hours or not having made more money. You won’t be sorry that you left some things undone. What you will regret are words left unspoken. You will look back and wish you could have spent more time with those you loved, those you cared for, and those people God put in your life to teach you something valuable.

Today’s a good day to start. Or maybe, since it’s 21 minutes until midnight, tomorrow will do just fine.