What’s your favorite day? Is it Thanksgiving? Christmas? Your birthday?
Many of us count down the days until vacation – when we’re outta here and our responsibilities are on the back burner! Yeah! How about your day off? Is that your favorite?! I lean towards vacation days, when I’m off with my hubby, away from the hustle bustle, meetings and deadlines. Those days are delightful!
But, I think Winnie the Pooh’s outlook is probably the healthiest perspective – Dare I say.. the more Christ-like one? Who doesn’t love Pooh?! This mamma loved him because I never had to wonder if my sons were exposed to anything bad. I was pretty selective about what my boys watched and Pooh always had a moral weaved into the shows.
So, let me ask you…Do you remember Pooh’s favorite day?
That’s right. Today!
Pooh Bear knows the power of living in the moment. Jesus did too. Today that’s harder than ever, but we can do it.
[bctt tweet=”When we live in the moment, we can more easily see the beauty around us. ” via=”no”] For instance, as I sit here typing on my patio, I’m noticing my devoted and loving dog at my feet, two different flowers (a begonia and bleeding heart vine) in my yard that have grown back and bloomed since the hurricane in mid-September, and a brisk breeze. If I were to glance, I’d probably just comment that the foliage is ransacked and pitiful since Hurricane Irma. But being mindful of my surroundings brings a tender joy – that I would otherwise miss.
My husband has a plaque in his office that says: [bctt tweet=”Be Here Now.” username=”https://twitter.com/TrekkingChar”] Many people call this “mindfulness.” Jesus mastered that concept. In John 4 his disciples had left him to go the village for food. While they were gone, Jesus met a Samaritan woman and ministered to her. Apparently, his mind wasn’t on food, because when they reminded him he needed to eat, he let them know in verse 32, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” (you can read the story here)
Looking a little further into the verses that follow we can see that Jesus goes on to explain that his ultimate “food” was doing God’s work. Jesus was in the moment. He saw the need around him and met that need. And that fed his soul.
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work….” (John 4:34)
Jesus knew what satisfied – and it wasn’t a meal. It was being mindful, aware and ready to be used as God prompted him.
Have you ever been used by God? Using your gifts, talents or time to touch someone else’s life? The sweet feeling of joy that we experience when we affect someone’s life for the better surpasses our physical longings and satisfies a hunger deep within our souls.
[bctt tweet=”If were honest, being mindful is a bit challenging in this day and age. ” username=”https://twitter.com/TrekkingChar”]
Three major obstacles to being in the moment are:
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It’s unnatural.
With that in mind, it takes a process for us to get a hold of our thoughts and bring them from wandering to experiencing the “here and now.” i.e., it’s work!
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Digital distractions.
The plethora of screens offer instant gratification and keeps us from seeing reality – that which is going on around us.
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We are too focused on ourselves and our agendas.
Unless we make a point of captivating our thoughts, they tend to wander back to our favorite subject: US!
Don’t fret!!! Enjoying today for what it offers is doable. We can look at the day as a treasure hunt. I’m thinking (to some degree) this must’ve been how Jesus lived. He couldn’t spend every minute of every day ministering, healing, and miracle-working. Instead he (must’ve) looked around to see who and what was around him and what God would have him do.
Let’s do the same – look around us, see who is there, what needs we are called to meet, and allow God to use us the way HE wants to. It takes being intentional, observant and ready! And we can join Pooh and say TODAY is our favorite day!
Have an amazing “Today”!
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If you’re a blogger and you’d like to linkup your articles this week please click on the blue button below. Be sure to visit at least two other bloggers and say hello! Let’s use this party to build friendships and encourage one another! Have an amazing week friends!
Becky Hastings says
Thank you for the reminder to BE. Sometimes it’s all too easy to rush around never appreciating each moment (even the hard ones) for what they offer, for what they are. Remember to savor them, to dwell in them is key!
Char says
To dwell… yes ma’am! It takes practice for this task oriented girl – but every time I do, I’m glad.
Joanne Viola says
Such wonderful reminder. There was a year I wrote a weekly post based on Pooh sayings so this one brought a smile 🙂 Thank you for reminding me to be in this moment, in this day for ALL our days have been ordained by Him for purposes we may not see or understand. Blessings!
Char says
What a great idea Joanne. Although he isn’t perfect, we all love Pooh. To be so simple minded and good…. oh yeah!
Jamie@TheMomGene says
Once, a very long time ago, I taught a philosophy class and as an introduction to eastern philosophy, I used the book, The Tao of Pooh. I love Pooh so much–he is SUCH an in the moment guy. Thank you for reminding me to be like Pooh today.
Char says
Oh my…that must’ve been such an interest class!! Wish I could have participated. I think we can all learn a thing or too from Pooh Bear.
Anita Ojeda says
Great advice, Char! I pretty much love every day–but especially those that I get to spend with family :). Today IS a beautiful day (even though the sun isn’t up yet), because I am alive, and God has a purpose for my day and my life!
Char says
Amen Anita!
Michele Morin says
Oh, how I long to have a Pooh mindset.
My default is more Eeyore-ish, I’m afraid, but God’s still workin’ on me!
Debbie Putman says
Loved this! The reference to Pooh made me smile. I have learned the importance of being mindful, and when I feel I need a boost, I deliberately go for gift walks to focus on God’s goodness that is all around me. Char, I love your blog. You consistently provide thoughtful posts that draw me closer to God, and you open your site to other bloggers. I nominate you for the Liebster Award. Here is a link to see what the Liebster Award is about https://www.debbieputman.com/thankful-nominated-liebster-award/. ((Hugs)) Debbie
Char says
How precious! Gift walks! I’ve heard of prayer walks, but not gift walks. Love that idea!! Thank you so much for the nomination Debbie! You are such an encouragement to me! I am looking forward to getting to know many other bloggers through the process!!!
Gayl says
I have always loved Winnie the Pooh! The quote you shared is simply but profound. But like you said it is often hard work to be mindful with so many distractions bombarding us every day. But when I take the time to observe what is right beside me, it really helps me to relax and remember to be thankful.
Blessings to you!
Rachel Lee says
Char, absolutely love this message, and will be sharing today! I love the idea of looking at each new day as a treasure hunt! SO good!
I am currently working through the Experiencing God study. (Yes, that super old study from long ago). But I am finding such fresh truth in it, all over again. Your message here reminds me so much of what I am learning through this study. Same concept.
I’ve often thought about the fact that Jesus didn’t (couldn’t) possibly minister, heal, transform every single person He came across. (Well, I mean, He could have- He IS God after all, but He was also man). I digress. The point is He looked at each new day as a treasure hunt, just as you suggested. He watched to see whom the Father pointed out to Him; where God was already at work, and He joined him there. Aren’t we supposed to do the same?
Being in the moment; LIVING in the moment is where it’s at. And it brings a certain amount of excitement with it!
Thank you for writing this, and giving me new inspiration for the day. 😉
Char says
Rachel I love that bible study! I’ve wanted to resurrect it from my bookshelf. Thanks for sharing your insights! I’m going to pull it out and revisit the study. Are you doing it with a group? I haven’t heard anyone mention it for years – except me.
Rachel Lee says
We are doing it in our home with extended family. Before recently, the last time I did this study was oh, probably 15 years ago or so. I remembered it being so inspiring, and it had a major impact on my walk with God.
Doing it for the second time around, is a bit different. I’ve realized that I really have lived (or tried to anyway) my life according to the perspective of being intentionally watchful and aware of the Lord’s activity in my life. When we are able to train our mind to do this on a regular basis, this is where we see Him move in such meaningful ways, and use us in the process!
It really is a good study! (albeit an old one) 😉
Patrick Weseman says
Everyday I am alive is a great day. People don’t understand when I say “It is a five-star day when I am here.” They think I am being arrogant but to me everyday is a five-star day.
Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful week.
Char says
Thanks for stopping in Patrick. Every day IS a 5 star day!!! Amen!
Crystal says
It is so unnatural to live in the moment, especially in this world of technology and time management. Yet our spirits starve for it. I won’t soon forget Pooh…love your comparison here!
Char says
Hi Crystal, I remember years ago my mentor saying that our flesh and our spirit are in constant conflict. So so true.
Marilyn Lesniak says
Thank you for another wonderful party. See you next week!
sue says
love this, char!
Lisa notes says
I’ve been working on this lesson the past few years. I’ve made a little progress, but still love hearing these reminders because I fail so many times to stay in the moment. Thanks for reminding me that TODAY is the best day!
Char says
Thanks for stopping in LIsa. I love how we can all encourage each other!
Jerralea says
I love the idea of looking at the day as a treasure hunt – it is all too easy to let our days pass by in a blur.
I’ve also got to admit that I’m guilty of letting all three obstacles listed keep me from being mindful.
Char says
Me too Jerralea! But every day is a new opportunity. Hey! Every hour is!
Donna Reidland says
Sometimes we overschedule ourselves to the point where there’s no time to just “be.” I’m certainly guilty. Being in the moment is work as you illustrated so well. Happy Thanksgiving!
Carlie says
Oh, I love your insight, Char! I’ve always been intrigued by ‘mindfulness’ and love how you weave it into being like Christ. That connection is often missing in other ‘mindfulness’ talks. Thanks for the encouragement to make ‘today’ like a treasure hunt. I love that analogy.