I love to ponder, to keep my heart open to hope and other uplifting influences. I’m continually hungry to learn about and acquire the 9 traits (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control) that are called “the fruit of the Spirit” in the ancient writings of Paul of Tarsus. So, I’ve spent my adult life listening.

I’ve read many hundreds of books by people from throughout history about how to acquire those traits. I’ve collected and handwritten my favorite quotes from those books in more than 33 blank journal books. I’ve devoured those quotations for years. They still stir my soul.

I look for, listen to, and connect heart-to-heart with people who radiate and are contagious with those traits. Young, old, or in between, they train me to find and open up to the things in life that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, praiseworthy, and virtuous.

I listen to my conscience and strive to daily obey it. As I quietly listen within, I hear wisdom and insights that I know come from beyond me. They develop within me and impact me deeply. I sense an indescribable presence and power that the ancient Book I read the most calls: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

The long way is often God’s way of getting our attention, humbling our pride, and securing our full heart-surrender to Jesus as our absolute Lord and Master. Following Jesus is a lifetime, not a moment. When you’re weary with more than you can handle, allow Christ to carry you through moment-by-moment and give you rest as you journey with Him! (See Matthew 11:28.)

Life is a moment-by-moment rollercoaster ride that at some point will suddenly throw you off. Where will you land? Click by click life’s moments tick by until they stop. Then what? Ponder, listen, and learn.

Time’s moments rush by (without a pause button). Moments of the heart can last a lifetime.