Every year we are encouraged to turn over a new leaf, make a New Year’s resolution, or review our life and make changes for the better. But what if we started living in the present moment instead of living in the past or the future? What if we accepted life and what it offers as it comes? What if our intention was to embrace each moment with as much gusto as we look forward to the next day off or vacation? I am wondering if we lived this intentionally, would we savor the precious moments we have each day?
I, like a number of my friends, am over the age of fifty and my lived experience continues to change and shape my perspective. I am currently witnessing the life of a dear one slowly slip away. I do not know if I could have embraced this moment when I was younger. I was too busy trying to prove myself. But what if, we really stopped to “smell the roses” thi
s year.
Jesus says, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mt. 11:28)
May we lay our burdens in the arms of Jesus and simply BE.
Clare, Carr, OSB
Presence in the Pines 
Wow, How often do we hear that we need to be mindful of this moment. How hard it is to live in the moment. This is an excellent New Year’s resolution. Thank you.