journey onWord with us

Today was beautiful and the sun shined brightly (not too hot, not too cold). But if it gets much warmer in our area, complaints will start. Just a few months ago however, we were wondering if summer would ever arrive. Snow and cold turned to a wet spring, and the collective attitude was mild frustration. But if these beautiful days turn too hot, the coolness of autumn will start to look pretty good. My point in all this is … are we ever pleased? We can be tempted to spend life looking forward or gazing in the rear view mirror, and completely miss enjoying the beauty of each moment. Our desire for perfect weather illustrates the subtle uneasiness in the soul of most believers in Christ. I am a fan of seeking to live in the moment, although the ultimate priority of meeting God in each moment is still a work in progress for me.

My impression is that Christ lived each day to the fullest, and I know He was content with God’s purpose for every day.  His days were filled with people who needed physical and spiritual healing. He was confronted with crowds and animosity. Those closest to Him on so many occasions didn’t understand Him, and certainly failed Him at critical times. Our Lord lived in the moment, and those moments were critical to those who needed His touch, His healing and His teaching. Assurance in the purpose of each moment, not anxiety about the last or for the next, was the way Christ navigated the daily demands of His life. Sure, He was the perfect Son of God, but as His followers we live best by seeking to meet God in each moment, not regretting yesterday or anticipating tomorrow. Those lives that you and I are challenged to touch need us to be in the moment, living with assurance and casting off anxiety.  A poem you have seen in my articles before, written by a woman I’ve never met, Helen Mallicoat, gives us all great perspective.

I was regretting the past and fearing the future.
Suddenly my Lord was speaking:
“My name is “I Am”. He paused.
I waited. He continued,
When you lived in the past with it’s
mistakes and regrets, it is hard.
I am not there.
My name is not “I Was”.
When you live in the future,
with its problems and fears,
it is hard.
I am not there.
My name is not “I Will Be”.
When you live in the moment,
It is not hard.
I am here.
My name is “I Am”.

Could it be that one of the reasons we struggle with life today is that we don’t look for, and live in His purpose for today? Spending our time looking backward or forward doesn’t lend itself to meeting and enjoying God in each moment. I was deeply reminded by a cell phone text today that those we can affect eternally are with us in the moment, not our tomorrows or yesterdays. My words are not a pep talk about turning challenges into opportunities, but an encouragement from one who also struggles, that this moment matters to God and to others.

When autumn comes, we’ll miss the summer. When the snow flies, we’ll long for the beauty of those cool crisp fall days. But whether our days are cool, snowy or downright hot, someone needs us in that moment. Will you consider meeting God in your moments today?