This is the first time in 23 years that we have not had either of the boys home during the summer.  Yes, we miss them and at least Spencer has visited a few times but there is one big problem with not having them at home … Firewood!

I made the decision that I was going to get the wood done over the long weekend and as you can see in the picture, I made it.  I actually enjoyed it.  Cut Friday and Saturday and split Sunday and Monday.  I certainly didn’t like it for how it made my back feel but nonetheless, I savored the entire process.

I am currently reading “The In-Between – Embracing the Tension Between Now and the Next Big Thing” by Jeff Goins.  And I have to admit, I may have not looked at firewood the same way if it hadn’t been for Goins encouraging  me to think.

An added value that Goins has offered with the launch of his new book is what he calls the “Slow Down Challenge.”  If you have been following me for a while, you know I usually do a book review post on Wednesday.  I am going to throw a little twist into that for the next week.

This will be the second of five posts following Goins Slow Down Challenge.  Here is the lineup that will take us through this five post series:

• Day 1 – The Habit of Noticing (Click here to read)
• Day 2 – Savoring Every Moment
• Day 3 – Focusing On What Really Matters
• Day 4 – Interruptions
• Day 5 – Gratitude

Now for some of you this may make no sense and for others, it make resonate beautifully.  When October 1st get’s here along with the rain and the cold, there is no better feeling then having your woodshed full.  Like I said, some of you may not get it. This will be the earliest I have ever filled the woodshed.

While savoring the moments this weekend, I envisioned what it might look like in December and January (usually our two coldest months) – 35 degrees and raining sideways or  quite often, negative wind chills.  I won’t care because I will be inside by the fire, remembering the moment I savored back in September.

I think what really helped me to savor time this weekend was I basically had unplugged while participating in my own Ax-Men experience.  Ear plugs, no phone, nothing …. nothing but the opportunity to enjoy the moment that it was.  It’s a lot easier to think when all you can hear the the muffled rumble of a small gas engine.

But the point is this – we try and rush through everything we do.  Faster is better, right?  I don’t think so!  I will admit, cutting and splitting firewood can only go so fast, so it probably helped that I really couldn’t rush through it.  But I learned a valuable lesson – when you enjoy the moment, rather than simply blast through it, you get a lot more out of that moment.  Seems like I have been wasting a lot of moments – but not any more!

Here is the action plan from Day 2 of the Slow Down Challenge:

• Take your time with food today.  If you’re the one who cooks in your home, spend more time than the minimum amount of time preparing the meal.
• Slowly cut and cook each ingredient, imagining what they will taste like when blended.
• When you eat, chew slowly.  Make each bit intentional and deliberate, counting to at least 20 before swallowing.
• As you do, remember to appreciate and enjoy all the flavors in the food.  And above all, remember to smile between bites.

So my challenge for today; “Sometime in the next 24 hours, intentionally savor a moment not only because of the moment itself but because of what that moment may lead to in the future!”  You would be amazed at what is passing right before your eyes.

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Barry Smith    9/2/13   photo by author   © Building What Matters 2013