How many times have you heard [or spoken] that phrase? For the most part, when we say we would like to bottle something it has to do with a positive, joyful, or beautiful experience.

On the flip side, we usually don’t hear of a desire to bottle something that is unpleasant. Quite frankly, we would rather forget these things.

What I find interesting is both kinds of events—the pleasant and the unpleasant—have equal potential to mark our souls and being with measures of emotional, psychological, and spiritual imprints. How so?

All our life experiences are rooted “in the moment,” however, many of us seem hesitant, even resistant to the idea to allow ourselves to be immersed in the positive and joyful moments. It’s as if, at some level, we believe we don’t deserve “the good stuff.” Or, that we are not worthy to savor the delights and blessings the Lord may send our way.

On the other hand, pain and difficulty is a different story. Some of us suck it up and press on. Others medicate with a variety of substances. Still others choose to pray, surrender, and trust the Lord with the situation or circumstance. Regardless of our choice, these kinds of experiences seem to be ‘bottled’—they hang around—whether we want them to or not.

One could believe we are somehow doomed to be affected more by the unpleasantness we face than the positive, delightful, experiences. I’m inclined to believe there is at least one choice we can make to ‘bottle the good stuff’ that will encourage and nurture us when we need it the most.

You’ve heard me say it and write it on numerous occasions:

Live. In. The. Moment. Each. One. For example . . .

Our entire family was able to gather together for vacation for the first time on the coast of Maine in September 2019. As we settled in to our accommodations, my beloved and I made the conscious decision to see, hear, taste, smell, and touch each moment as if we had never experienced them before. We set aside thoughts about what we would do later in the day, when if or when we would check email or our phones, or even think about what might have arrived at the post office hold box at home. We realized that if we would savor and appreciate each moment as it unfolded, we could ‘open the bottle’, if you will, and feel and sense all that good stuff months, even years later.

To allow ourselves to be enveloped in beauty, joy, and wonder is to allow God to enter our souls, hearts, minds, and emotions with the fullness of the Divine. Note: this is not something we have to work to accomplish. It is, in fact, quite the opposite. To fully live in the moment is to let go of those things that can constrain us—being stuck in our heads, choosing to repress or suppress our emotions, being determined to carry on with our agenda rather than seek the Lord for guidance and direction.

My family will likely not be able to return to the coast of Maine for another vacation. [Although I don’t know that for sure, do I? Only the Lord knows.] Nonetheless, as I go about my daily routine or sit in my chair and ponder or meditate, I can reflect upon the essence of that experience to enliven my entire being.

As God gifts us with life and breath in accordance with His will and plan for our life, may we embrace the now, including the ‘good stuff.’ May we choose to live. In. The. Moment.

Am I able to live in the moment?

Do I resist the ‘good stuff’? Why?

Can I talk with God about being more open to what is happening right now?