It was a small sign. We would have missed it altogether if we kept hiking along the trail. But my husband and I were ready for a break and the bench looked inviting. As I approached it to sit down, I paused to read the plaque attached to the back. It said simply, ‘Life is made of little moments so sit and enjoy. Sarah Marie Carr 1984-2016.’
While we rested, I contemplated this small yet profound message. Yes, every minute of every day is made up of little moments. Often I miss them because I’m moving too fast to recognize their significance. At work, my schedule confines me to intervals of 15 minutes (or less) per patient. In that small amount of time, I endeavor to listen, examine, and evaluate information then offer my best advice. Unfortunately, the opportunity to sit and enjoy the moment is rare.
Far too often, the rush of the day doesn’t enable the possibility of true connection. But sometimes it’s as if God steps into the room and places His hand on my shoulder. He causes me to stop, slow down, then pause for a little moment to really listen. The voice of Love breaks through the chaos allowing a divine encounter to occur.
Just this last week, one of my patients reminded me of the need to pause and connect on a deeper level. Before her appointment ended, she asked to pray for me. I often pray for my patients and their struggles. But to know she wanted to pray for me was both moving and humbling. As we held hands and prayed for each other, this little moment became a sacred communion between two kindred souls.
In the same way, my life with family races ahead at a rapid pace. When my children were young, I struggled to connect when schedules between school and sporting events didn’t leave enough time to even eat together. I remember those small opportunities in the car or right before bed when important conversations occurred in the midst of the craziness. These little moments became cherished memories bonding us together as one.
Years passed as my children grew up and my parents aged. Now connection occurs while in the cardiology waiting room with my mother as she tells me stories of her childhood. We plan road trips and holidays when we’ll celebrate as a family the little moments again. A shared meal followed by board games leads to laughter as we pause our busy schedules to connect once more.
While my husband and I sat on the bench looking up through the sycamore trees that day, I wondered. Who was Sarah Marie Carr? What was her story? Friends and family memorialized her life by placing a bench in a park offering rest for weary hikers. Sarah’s legacy reminds every passerby to sit for awhile and enjoy life’s little moments. Don’t miss the significance of these sacred gifts wrapped in small packages. In the long run, it’s the little moments that give life true joy and meaning.
