Savor. My new word for the year. The word I will focus on throughout my days to slow me down, calm my heart and mind, and help me remember that absolutely everything that comes my way is for a purpose. With that perspective, I choose to run toward what lies ahead, not run away from it. Inconveniences become less annoying. I stop rushing. I savor the moment.
I looked up the word savor. In verb form it means “to taste and enjoy completely”. That’s what I want to do in every area of my life. Relish it. Take it into who I am and digest it for what it is, good or bad. If I choose to only enjoy the good “flavors” and spit out those I don’t like, I will end up malnourished. Less than fully healthy.
The great part about picking a word to incorporate into my life is seeing it’s opportunities in a multitude of different ways each day. Whether it’s standing in line at the store, waiting in traffic, doing mundane household chores or working with a difficult customer, the word can be applied to each situation.
Yesterday at work, God reminded me that why I am there has very little to do with decorating and much more to do with interacting with and encouraging people. I was in the middle of a big project and every time I turned around there was a woman who needed an ear. A hug. This is what I live for, how I thrive, so I was happy to oblige.
Towards the end of the day, the end of my project was in sight. Near completion and looking good. And then a woman walked through the door. I recognized her from months past. Her 33 year old daughter lost her husband last year and was left with seven small children, a healing broken back and a huge financial burden. It was a story I couldn’t forget. I looked at my project and then at the clock. I was so close to being done and so close to the end of my shift. I smiled at the woman and asked in passing, “how are you today?” as I would any other customer. But I knew it wasn’t enough.
In my ear, I heard God whispering, “Go and ask her about her daughter. Savor this opportunity. The project can wait. This cannot.”
I had a choice to make. I could finish this “important” project, clock out and head home. There would have been nothing “wrong” with that. But I have learned that life is so much more precious and meaningful and rich if I listen to the whisper in my ear. And so I did.
What ensued was a wonderful conversation with a woman whose heart is breaking for her daughter. She seemed grateful to have a chance to pour out her heart and have someone there to respond. I’m sure she carries this tremendous burden for her girl 24/7, knowing she can’t help as much as she’d like to. After giving me a huge hug, she simply said, “Thank you for asking about her.”
In the rush of life and the things we “need” to get done, it’s too easy to miss the savory moments of interaction and connection with the one thing on this planet that matters – people. As I am learning to savor the moment in all areas of my life, the most crucial will always be “tasting and enjoying completely” the time spent investing in others.
What will I be asked to savor today? I have no idea. It might merely be housework or some creative endeavor. But my eyes will be watching and hopefully my heart will be listening for the most savor-worthy of all – the complex, amazing and often hurting people that may cross my path today.
Matthew 25:40 – The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
Ephesians 5:16 – Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…
Psalm 39:4-5 – O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!
