How are you at staying in the moment? Me? Oh, I’m extremely future oriented so I have a bit of a struggle resting my mind to focus on what’s right in front of me.
But you know what I’ve discovered? When I set my mind on what is happening right now…it’s pretty spectacular.
Stop. Listen. Did you hear sounds you wouldn’t have otherwise stopped to hear? Outside my window a bird is cooing and in the quietness, I heard the soft humming of my computer. Even the keys clicking sounds like a fun melody.
Try again – Stop. What is it, in this moment that you have to worry about? Not in an hour, not in ten minutes. Right now.
In this quiet moment, you are there. And the Lord is right beside you. Can you sense His presence? His love? His peace?
One of my favorite verses in the bible reminds me of just that fact:
This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NLT
I love that verse because it a reminder that God knows we loose our peace easily – and end up fearful or discouraged. Even so, He reminds us that He is with us. The Prince of Peace. Sense His presence.
Often, we get so rushed – reading through one article to get to the next, working through a task to move on to the next – that we forget there is beauty in the moment.
Several mornings a week my husband, Chris and I go to the beach to walk and catch the sunrise before work. Even on those spectacular walks we find our attention scattered and we will remind each other, “Don’t forget to look!” at the artistry of the sunrise and the birds as they skim over the surface of the water.
Last week Chris pointed out something I’ll never forget. Something I would have never noticed without him. As we were walking, he stopped me by the seashore and said, “Listen!”
I, too, loved the sounds of the waves breaking, “Oh, the breaking of the waves are a beautiful sound!”
“No, Char. Listen to the water washing over the shells as it flows back into the ocean.”
“Wowwwww,” The water created a soft tinkling sound like a chorus of bells, “That’s breathtaking!”
Without Chris calling it to my attention, I am sure I would have never heard that melodious sound. Yet, I’ve been to the beach hundreds of times in my lifetime. All of a sudden, the awareness of what I’ve been missing made me wonder what else had gone unnoticed by my rushing through…. Through this task, through that task….even through a walk!
Years ago, Spencer Johnson wrote a book, “The Present” which highlighted the gift of living in the present time and space you are in. Truly, walking in the present moment is a healthy perspective that allows God to be God – and takes us off the throne! We think we can control far more than we really can.
Be sure to take a moment before you click onward. Listen. And rest in who God is – as He is right there with you. He is your biggest fan and peppers your life with His fingerprints to remind you He cares deeply.
Hello Blogger friends! If you would like to linkup your articles just click on the link below! I can’t wait to see what you have come up with this week! Is that too many exclamation points?!! Be sure to visit a neighbor when you linkup.
Anita Ojeda says
I love listening to nature! Unfortunately, sometimes I forget to really listen to people :/. I need to remember to be in the moment when I’m in conversations, too
Char says
I’ve been concentrating on listening to people too. And really remembering what they say. Thanks for the reminder Anita!
Cheryl says
I recently found myself going through my upcoming calendar and I had thoughts of dread, wishing the month away before it even arrived. This post is a beautiful reminder to “take time and smell the roses” so to speak. I am making a commitment to myself and family, I will not schedule any more than is absolutely necessary. Then, maybe, I can begin to hear God’s voice more clearly and feel His presence more deeply.
Char says
I love that! Thanks for sharing Cheryl!
Michele Morin says
Wise words here: “Don’t forget to look!” Certainly a life-changing stance.
Joanne Viola says
The question I have already been asking myself this morning is, “God, what is it You have for me today?” Maybe I need to narrow it down even further to “this moment”. It is so true, Char. God has much for us in every moment. May we not miss all He has provided for us to grow and experience Him. Blessings!
Char says
That’s perfect. And reading your comment made me tune into the beauty of this moment. It’s a discipline- and a very rewarding discipline.
Rachel says
Beautiful reminder Char.
I wonder how many things I too miss, as I hurry through life? Isn’t God’s creation the absolute best?!?!
Char says
Most definitely! Romans 1:20
Maree Dee says
What a beautiful reminder to stop and listen. Tears welled up in my eyes when I stopped for a second to take in that “God is my biggest fan.” Thank you for the reminder to stop for the moment.
Char says
Ahhhh you made my day!
Becky Hastings says
I needed this reminder in this exact moment! I was struggling today, unable to put my finger on why. And now I see that I am longing for God’s peace. And to find that I need to stop and be present with Him. Thank you
Donna Reidland says
I’m definitely guilty of looking past the present to what’s next regularly, but especially today. I’ve been sick and I’m pretty tired of it. Yet, I know even in this God has His purpose and this morning my prayer time was extra sweet. It would have been very easy for me to miss it. Thanks for reminding me that I probably do miss many things. Thanks for hosting. Enjoy your next beach walk!
Char says
Thank you Donna, and I hope you feel better very quickly. Glad you were able to see some sweet presents and having to rest.
Gayl says
Char, thank you so much for reminding me to be still and listen right here in the present moment. I’m future oriented, too, and often I find myself far past the moment in my thoughts. I needed this reminder today. Blessings to you!
Char says
Have a great week Gayl!
Beth says
I have been thinking about this very thing for the past week or so. For quite a while now I have been so focused on work that I have missed the small beautiful things all around me. My goal is to do what your post says. Stop, listen, feel God’s presence. Enjoy the moment. Thank you for sharing
Char says
Good for you Beth!! It’s amazing how God gives us the same message.
Patrick Weseman says
I love listening to nature. I love listening to water. It is something that really calms me down. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you are having a wonderful week.
Char says
Thanks for stopping by Patrick!