Savor the Moment

Over the years I have studied many, if not most, religions and philosophical beliefs.  In doing so I have discovered that while there are extreme differences in many of these beliefs, they also have some commonality.  Every religious or philosophical belief is actually seeking a way to best navigate this life.  Some seek different religious or faith pathways while others seek more secular or logical direction but all are actually pursuing a way to make sense or come to terms with the best or better way to live out our time on this planet. 

I have also come to observe, at least in my opinion (which may make sense or be disagreeable to you but since I am writing this and am somewhat prejudiced toward my opinion I think it has merit), that there is one approach that is best no matter what religion or philosophy one cherishes or follows.  Jesus teaches us not to worry about tomorrow.  The Apostle Paul speaks of forgetting what is behind. René Descartes’ expression, "I doubt, therefore I think, therefore I am", summarizes that even in the midst of extreme doubt about every belief and everything the very fact that we are able to express a conscious thought at a specific moment verifies our existence.  There are many other expressions and quotes from religion and philosophy but (again, in my humble opinion), the best way to pass through this life is to ‘Savor the Moment’.  Think about it; no matter what faith, scientific belief or philosophy one holds most dear the only reality we have is the present, this very moment…right now!  

I have lived most of my life by faith in Christ, however no matter how strong our faith in a particular religion or philosophy, we can only ‘believe' if we don't have the evidence to truly ‘know'.  If we had the actual evidence to prove our belief, it would no longer be ‘faith’.  Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as being “sure of what we hope for and certain of what cannot see”.  The Authorized King James Bible (which some say is the only one that God personally endorsed) uses the words “substance” and “evidence” but it still comes down to believing something that cannot be proven as a solid fact.  However, to many, declaring: “I believe” is never an adequate substitute for being able to say, “I know”, and faith is largely centered around belief because it relies on second, third, fourth (and so on) accounts of things that may or may not be true.  But the point is not to question anyone's faith, but to simply present you with what is real. And the only thing we know to be real is this very moment.

 

Even the scientist who only believes what can be proven with evidence can only know what the evidence proves at that moment.  We have seen cases where evidence changed or new evidence was discovered and things that were once proven to be factual in a scientifically established conclusion were now proven wrong or changed.  So, whether one is a logical thinking atheistic scientist or a deeply faithful religious believer all one can really ‘know’ is what one is experiencing at this very moment.  This is life! It may not exist past this moment so we must cling to and savor the sacredness of this moment.  Whether you believe in life after death or that death will be the end of any and all existence, you know that you have this moment!  So, no matter what belief or philosophy makes the most sense to you, savor this moment!

And how does one best savor this moment?  Well, once again in my humble opinion (and remember, I am somewhat biased in the opinions of this writer) the best way to savor the moment is to be kind and loving to those around you at this moment and seek to enjoy and have as much fun as you can in this moment.  You may not be able to control who is around you and their behavior may not be kind or positive but you can make the most of the moment for yourself by being kind and loving to them.  Jesus told us to even love our enemies.  We may not be able to control their actions but we can control ours.  We can forgive and forget as quickly as possible to let go of any anger or grudges.  It is amazing how often a kind word or a simple smile can diffuse a difficult moment.   

The situation of the moment may not be pleasant.  In fact, it may be difficult or emotionally and physically painful.  However, one can make the most of the moment by seeking to find and share joy as much as possible no matter what is going on.  Even in the midst of terrible pain or grief sharing love can bring joy. 

I have found this approach to always work in helping me make the most of each moment.  Even when I was being prepared for serious life-threatening surgery I sought to make myself and those around me more relaxed and comfortable by being pleasant, kind and joyful.  If this was to be my last moment of life I certainly didn’t want to have a bad time of it.  As they put me under anesthesia I knew I would wake in Heaven or the recovery room but I knew that was out of my hands.  The only thing I could do was savor the moment, even if it was to be my last on this planet...especially if it was to be my last moment on this planet!

By the way, according to the dictionary, savor means: to give flavor to: SEASON, to have experience of: TASTE, to taste or smell with pleasure: RELISH, and/or: to delight in: ENJOY.  All of those apply to my suggestion that you savor the moment!  All describe the best way to make the most of your life, which is the experience of this moment!  Right now is what you have…make the most of it!