If Only...

I F  O N L Y . . . .

Today was a beautiful day, nearly 40 degrees with the sun shining, that is until it started to sleet. Of course I didn't get out for my run until the sun was blocked by clouds, the wind kicked up and it started to sleet. I started my run with sleet pelting my face. This is obviously not the most fun way to run. I was wishing that I had gotten out when the sun was shining. If only I had left work earlier, if only I had known the call I was waiting for wasn't going to come. If only...

I could have spent nine miles thinking about all the "if only's", but I would have missed the blessings during my run. I would not have appreciated the two drivers who stopped to let me run past their driveways; they could have easily pulled in front me before I reached their driveways, but they chose to wait for me to run past. I would not have been thankful for clothes that kept me dry, warm and visible to drivers. Most of all, I would not have been grateful for the health that allows me to run. These may seem like small things, but they are all blessings and gifts. Strangers showed me love, my basic needs are met (more than met) and I have my health.

We can spend our lives thinking "If only...", each of us has one or more. If only I lived closer to family. If only I had gotten that job. If only my son were "typical." If only..., but what does that gain me? If I spend my time wishing things were different, I miss the wonders of my life. There is beauty everywhere, people who love, things to learn, opportunities to grow. But I have to be present in my current situation to see these things.

We have a choice to make about how we live our lives. Do we spend time dwelling on "If only...?" Or do we embrace our life and see the beauty around us. Dwelling on the way we think things could be "If only..." this or that happened can lead us to be unhappy, miserable even, in our current circumstances. It is hard to see beauty and love when we are dwelling on the "could have been's" of life. The word "dwelling" is defined as "a shelter in which people live" according to Merriam-Webster.com. So why chose to dwell, actually live in the "if only's" of life?

I want to live a life open to the beauty and love around me. That means I must dwell in my circumstances, even when running into the sleet. If I embrace my situation and look for them, I will find blessings. I will see beauty and feel love. Wherever there is love, God is there also. I think this is what God calls us to do, embrace our lives because that is where we will encounter Him. Where do you choose to dwell?