Living in the Moment

As I look back over the past year, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for all God has blessed me with; an amazing family, great friends, good health, financial provision, etc. I feel that this year, especially in the past few months, there has been a major turning point in my life. 

Back in October, my friend and I decided to start a book club and to meet weekly to discuss the chapter we had read for that week. The book we chose is called, “You’re Already Amazing”, by Holley Gerth. What I discovered while reading this book is that I have not been living my life the way God intended me to live it. I’ve wasted too much energy trying to be perfect, trying to please others, and trying to control the circumstances and people in my life. As a result, I was feeling stressed out and no longer felt peace or joy in my life. So I made a commitment to myself and to God that I would no longer live this way, but instead choose to live fully in the moment, embracing life, loving others, and making a difference in this world. Recently, I read a devotional by Boyd Bailey called “Live in the Moment”. Here is an excerpt from that devotional:

“Living in the moment is what the Lord longs for you to do. It’s where He does His best work. He knows that living in the moment engages you with His will, as it is lived out in the present. So if you are with your children, be with them. Laugh with them, cry with them, listen to them, play with them, and pray for them. Lock eyes with your little ones and be with them. Turn off your mind and heart and keep them from running ahead to other issues, problems, and people. These distractions will still be standing in line for your attention when you get back to work. Value living in the moment, and you will live in the moment; for you do what you think is important.

Technology was made for man, not man for technology. So turn off your phone, shut down the computer, and most important, discipline your mind to be present. Bend your mind to listen well and honor others with your purposeful presence. Your undivided attention in the moment says you love and care. Trust God with all the impossible outcomes that await you. You have this one moment and then it is gone forever. So be engaged today and be with the ones you love. Live in the moment, and other things will take care of themselves. Do this one thing, and you will live the life God intended for you. Master living in the moment with the discipline and love of your Master. Seize the moment for your Savior, for other people, and for yourself.”

It is my prayer that in 2015, you will choose to live in the moment, fully embracing life and experiencing the peace and joy that can only be found in our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Prince of Peace.