“Don’t swallow the moment whole. Savor each bite of this experience.” I wrote these words in my workout journal last week. I’ve spent over a year in preparation mode for three competitions. We had our Belize national championships in May, then the North American Regionals in August, and I am finally at the World Championships. It’s hard to take it all in. Standing in front of the World Championship banner was surreal. And I had to remind myself to slow down and savor each moment.
So far here in St. John’s, Newfoundland, my cell phone has captured 337 moments (photos/videos). Don’t worry; I won’t be sharing them all here. But each picture represents a feeling or memory I wanted to hold onto. I’ve journaled, taken photos, and written notes on my phone to retain the lessons learned and experience gained from this journey. As I read the first chapter of Luke, I saw that I am not the only one who recorded memories.
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke 1:1-4 NIV
An Orderly Account
Luke tells us that many people have written about Jesus and their experiences with Him, but he still felt it necessary to put his account in writing. Luke recounts 24 chapters, 1151 verses, and 19482 words worth of carefully investigated moments. He holds our attention from start to finish with lessons for us to glean from the life of Christ. Our personal stories may have relevance for a generation or two, but the life of Christ has eternal significance. And it’s important to savor each lesson. So today, I invite you to slow down along with me. Don’t swallow the moment whole. Take in God’s Word one sweet bite at a time.