A new, colorful notebook seems to whisper, “Fill me with moments and ideas you don’t want to forget”—it’s hard to resist that invitation, isn’t it?
There’s something about that cool, smooth feel of a clean sheet of white paper (narrow-ruled, not College-ruled), that sparks joy. Add a few different colors of ink, and those blank pages practically beg to be filled with thoughts, quotes, and memories—a handwritten time capsule waiting to happen.
But journaling? It’s never really been my thing. Maybe it’s because the so-called “experts” say it’s the right thing to do during hard times. Honestly, I’m not convinced. Writing down all those cloudy details feels like giving discouragement a megaphone.
And then there’s the guilt trip. You know the one: “I’ve been journaling for 24 years … I went through my 137 journals … I haven’t missed a day of journaling since I was a little girl. Cue the feelings of I’ve messed up. It feels like I’m perpetually behind and I obviously cannot catch up.
But give me pages of crisp, lined paper wrapped in covers of bright colors, and something shifts. It’s not about journaling every day or keeping up. It’s about reflections and inspirations. It’s about capturing the things that matter to me.
How do you capture snapshots of meaningful moments and memorable words?
Maybe because it’s my birthday week … oh, did I just slip that in? Well, since we’re here, I’ll say it: I turned 68 on January 1st. Only 32 years to go until I’m 100!
Anyway. Maybe because it’s my birthday week, I’m feeling the tug to pay even more attention to noticing and then noting.
With so much living behind me and so much still ahead, I don’t want to miss a thing. Capturing the moments has become part of my rhythm. The notebooks, the colored pens, the reflection time … a simple practice that keeps life in focus.
I want to remember. Big celebrations and small moments that make me giggle deserve more than just a moment. Writing a quick note about them captures those people and events so I can remember them later.
So back to my question …
How do you capture snapshots of meaningful moments and memorable words?
Maybe this is the year to start. Make note of moments that you turn into memories. Jot down the names of the people you had lunch with and what made you laugh. Scribble one line from your pastor’s message that stuck with you. What’s capturing your attention?
Capture the words that make you smile or infuse you with a little more joy. Words like Refresh. Restore. Flourish. Nurture. Look for phrases that keep you going: You are not alone. God is faithful. I am courageous. Good things await me! Write them down and recall them when your heart needs them.
Or maybe you’re more of a photo keeper. Snap the pictures, and don’t forget to keep yourself in them! Save them on your phone. Look at them again to remind you of the life you’re living.
Let’s not waste a moment, and let’s make them easier to remember.
And, for those of us with laugh lines and wrinkles who are spending too much time plucking our chins and the hair growing on the sides of our face, a quick note will help keep those moments alive.
In “Anticipate God’s Goodness: Letters of Encouragement to Ignite Your Spirit,” I wrote these words about our ordinary days (page 170):
Today as I work play, relax, and engage with people, I remember that God has blessed this day.
My routine may be the same, but there is nothing boring about it.
I am anticipating good things and living my life today as an offering.
I’m keeping my eyes open so that I notice the beauty and surprise in this ordinary day.
So, let’s keep our eyes open and notice.
Live in the moments.
Write them down.
Remember them.
Notice and Note.
As for me? I’m pulling out my notebook to make notes of how we celebrated my 68 years of a very full life.
God is good and He is faithful = life is good.
P.S. I’d love to hear about how you’re capturing snapshots of your moments, and what your notebook looks like. Send me a note!
Leanne Homa says
Happy Birthday, Gaye! You are the salt and light in so many peoples’ lives.
Happy New Year!
God’s peace and every good.