Living in the moment is a difficult challenge. There are always so many other things we could be doing--and so we fill our minds with what needs to be done, what we wish we were doing, what we could be doing, what we ought to be doing, and what we know we shouldn't do.
Quickly the day devolves into a flash of events narrated by the to-do list and the wish-list filling our brains. Worry of something slipping and failure consume us. We miss the opportunities all around to connect with people, smell roses, and to actually enjoy our day.
Yes, we have responsibilities. Yes, we do have to manage a gazillion things. But I challenge you. What if today you focused 100% on what is in front of you. Still make that list--but when you are doing the laundry or talking to friend on the phone, be 100% engaged. Be there.
As I was checking out at Walmart this morning, my cashier and I struck up a conversation. From Haiti, this man had a joyful temperament that was infectious. Before I reached the register, 4 or 5 colleagues came up just to talk to him--and he was laughing and bringing life to everyone he engaged with. His presence brought a smile to my face.
Exchanging pleasantries, he warmly asked how my morning had been so far and I replied by saying that I had no complaints. He heartily responded with, "Isn't that the truth? You went to bed last night and woke up this morning!" I smiled and said, "That's right!"
Friends, I quickly I responded! But do I truly operate out of that blessing? Do I really live as if today is a gift from God and not just another day to be filled? How different my vision for my day is when I realize the value it has.
Today is not just another day. Refuse to give into that. Today is a day that you have an opportunity.
An opportunity: to get ahead in house work; to call a friend you haven't spoken with in a while; to read a book that moves you; to teach your child the beauty of forgiveness; to snuggle with your spouse; to push through that work deadline; to enjoy the gift of a car (even if it is in traffic!); and the list goes on.
So, do not worry about tomorrow. Instead, be where you are and enjoy life as it comes to you. It will not always be an easy life, but it will always be yours.
Matthew 6:25-3425 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
