Gradual miracles

These days, I find myself savoring the "normal" and celebrating the simple pleasures life has to offer. There is a quiet strength and peace that comes from living in the moment, no matter how mundane it may seem. These last days there have been; coffee dates with friends, early morning runs in the rain, bursts of sunshine through the clouds, blooming spring flowers, bootcamp sessions with a lakeside view, tasty treats, good books to read; unexpected encounters, inspiring music and encouragement from unusual sources. I think my capacity to notice these things, appreciate them, and let them nourish my soul has increased a lot since I have lived in Switzerland - the pace of life is just slower here, and as a result, I have learnt to slow down. But I also think it has something to do with learning to be more present in the moment. To notice, to observe, to withhold judgment, to breath deeply, to be gentle with myself and people around me.  My capacity to "be in the moment" is one of the results of some personal growth and healing.

Recently at church we have done a series on miracles which has been inspiring, faith building and challenging. One of the things I took away from the series was the need to appreciate gradual miracles - the ones that don't happen instantly, which I guess is most of them! A few years ago, I felt stressed, anxious and mostly unhappy. Of course, it wasn't all bad - definitely not - but for the most part, I was wrapped up in everything that needed to be done, everything that needed my attention, goals, plans, schedules and next steps. And if my plan, schedule or routine got disrupted - I was not very nice to be around (just ask my family!). I had a hard time appreciating the moment or savoring the simple pleasures. And to me, that seems like a pity. After all, life is lived moment to moment. I see now, that over recent years, God has done many gradual miracles in my life, one of which has brought me to the place I find myself today - more able to live in the present, to be grateful daily,  to be (more) gracious, to notice, to stop and to appreciate. By no means do I get this right all the time, I still have lots of room to grow, but I am grateful for this gradual miracle!

“Be happy in the moment, that's enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” Mother Teresa