These words rattle around in my head as I walk through our home.
We’ve lived in the same house since I was pregnant with our first child—over 33 years ago. Our sunroom has gone from a playroom to an office. Our deck, once filled with plastic toys, now features wicker furniture. And now, those same spaces are making room once again—for the toys that appear when our grandson visits.
Throughout our home, framed photos of babies, graduations, and weddings are woven into the décor. These cherished memories are permanent fixtures. But this past Mother’s Day, my 90-year-old mom and I got a new kind of memory-keeper: digital photo frames. Now, in prominent places in our homes, hundreds of forgotten photos—once collecting dust in the iCloud—shuffle across glowing screens. We love these rotating memories, and so does everyone who enters our homes. These photos are a reminder of just how much life has been lived.
Whether your stage of life is hectic or a slower pace, it’s wonderful to pause and remember all the life that’s unfolded within your walls.
But remembering also serves as a gentle nudge to be present—to live today.
Maybe you’re knee-deep in toddlers and diapers, barely catching your breath.
Maybe you’re missing your mom or dad, wishing for one more moment.
Maybe you’re in a demanding work season, longing for more life at home.
Whatever season you’re in, pause. Feel the joy of now. Even if your home is quieter than it used to be… life is still happening. And it’s up to us to make the most of it.
Prioritize the things in your life that are time-stamped.
Visit your parents if you’re fortunate enough to still have them.
Rock the babies and savor every silly song.
Say yes to driving your teens around—it won’t last forever.
Ephesians 5:15–16 says:
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…”
What does that mean to you?
I’ve watched my 90-year-old mom continue to live well after losing my dad, even while dealing with chronic back pain. She could’ve given up—but she’s chosen to live fully. And now it’s your turn.
Make the phone call.
Take the trip.
Put down your phone.
Say YES to the opportunity.
You fill in the blank.
Life didn’t just happen where you are—life is still happening.
Let’s make the most of it.
PS. If you want to know the coolest gift you could give or get, here is the link to the digital frame. I can’t say enough about it (and I get nothing for sharing this with you financially). https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Picture-Unlimited-Storage-Anywhere/dp/B09X2CL5HG/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2XTWNRX4CRVNJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tXAeccNJuB13VVAZYaWRpXZiuYc8acqdbo1imRQKHSjhXKABggFv16IfgXl7R8Sj8Lv4QjL0159gSP4PAHZQBbfTq-OVckhgrbKWbqcVnr6oaFkK3TtzLCmsF1BdFp6spe7GxgHqp9DkIbQfxjrfTBYeAD7nA5mpviW3aZsGaW4mC-ZTHkRGtqybGuZsHCCD12niq6TGTAJovVrVgUdGxnTPh7casxCN-3gsXiRqmuQ.uwBifmWTGhqEhPSNuLIrLi-pGzxwPV0z0CKnEQZ19Ic&dib_tag=se&keywords=aura%2Bframes&qid=1747405400&sprefix=%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-3&th=1
Love this – I try to remind myself that life unfolds and sometimes the home gets messy. And a messy home isn’t always a bad thing or a sign of laziness. It’s often a sign that I’ve said yes to something more important today.
Yes, Sheilah. I love reminding yourself that “I said yes to something more important”. Life goes fast and we don’t want to miss a minute. I hope you’re well.