Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Savoring the Moment

What a wonderful trip our entire family took this month! Although we saw great sights and enjoyed good food, the highlight was being with those I love most. Perhaps revisiting some places I had seen previously made it easier to live in the moment, or maybe realizing that such opportunities are rare gave me a sense of the present. Whatever it was, time seemed to stand still as we sat outside at Parisian cafes, walked on the beaches of Normandy, or enjoyed Belgium waffles together.

Why is it so hard to savor the moment? Why do I fail to drink in time with people and with God? In my busyness I’ve been guilty of seeing people as an intrusion rather than God’s appointment. At my worst, I have rushed time with God to get on with the real work of the day. Who am I kidding? How can I lead others to God’s still waters when my waters are churned up by busyness and worry?

So why was this experience different?
This time I had a great sense of contentment with simply being there. I had no expectations or agenda, but I joyfully accepted whatever came. Because I was content, I was able to accept the reality of the moment and enjoy its blessings.

To appreciate the present, I must learn to be content like Paul (Phil. 4:11). That involves trusting God’s agenda for my schedule, accepting my circumstances as His sovereign plan, and letting go of the false idea that anything is more important than spending time with Him and other people. As a result, I pray that I begin to live in the present and savor its joys.

What about you? What discontent robs you of enjoying each moment?

4 comments:

  1. Very true, Kay. I like what you have to say. sometimes while I am say, I don't want to take time for friends, even family when I'm working on pottery, cleaning or involved in some project. Sins in my life rule more than I like. A friend called and said she prayed that God would root out the sins in her whole family so they could draw closer to Him. When we pray this prayer, be ready to find out what the Lord is going to do. This may be off the point, but it really showed me that as a believer God is there in our lives even we don't know it or even aware of His presence.

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  2. You are so right, Nancy, that God is there even when we aren't aware of His presence. I am always grateful when God reminds me of that truth.

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  3. Being a planner and goal setter, it's hardest to give up my expectations and agendas. I naturally set myself up for disappointment and don't enjoy the present because I'm always striving. What you have to say about trusting God's agenda and accepting my circumstances as His sovereign plan for me were important for me to hear. I pray for that, for the ability to be to content and for the ability to live in the present. Thank you Kay for these important reminders.

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  4. I so relate to you, Cindy. I pray for the same for both of us.

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