- Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...
I admit that I am one of those people who have a very hard time being 'in the moment' as they say. I've always thought that quite cliché’ to tell you the truth. I used to pride myself on being able to tell you on any given day what might have been going on one, five or ten years ago on the same date. Can we call this living in the past?? I come by that honestly; in my family this is a common habit. I guess you could say this might be a human problem, as often you hear the older generation ruminating about the good ole’ days…and how nothing is as it used to be. You might know someone whose past still runs their life, or someone who wishes for days gone by so they could see that loved one again.
When I first began my career as a dental hygienist, I found the day-in-and-day-out drudgery of work to be incredibly boring. I was constantly wishing for something exciting to happen, for the weekend to arrive, or vacation. I remember clearly how I kept thinking, is this all there is??
In those days I was single and hoping for that special someone to come into my life. Seems awfully human of us to do this as well, doesn't it? If we're not wishing for a day gone by, we're rushing on toward whatever 'it' is that will make us happy and satisfied.
So what does “being in the moment” really mean? Can we truly be at ease in whatever situation we are in, whether it turns out exactly as we'd have it or not? I've been on the journey for that type of peace for a very long time. It's tempting to wish away the days sometimes. I think that looking too much to the past and too much to the future can be an avoidance tactic. I think we're called to more than that as children of God. John 10:10 says "My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." If I concentrate too much on either the past or the future, I don't feel very rich or satisfied. How about you?
The other day I was praying and crying to God…for Him to change a situation. At the same time, I was asking Him to help me face it as it is, and bring me peace so I could enjoy my day. I kept asking Him, how? How do I enjoy this day when I want something much different from it? It hit me during that prayer that I have greatly misunderstood something...and that is, thinking that I can only be happy and at peace if God granted me peace that day. The funny thing is after I prayed I went on to have an absolutely blessed day with family and friends. Did the sadness I felt earlier go away? No. But I was able to hold both feelings of sadness and feeling blessed and know that God was right by my side.
A couple days later I found this quote "Life with God is not immunity from difficulties but peace in difficulties."
That is the key...He is the peace in the past, present and future. I bet I will need a refresher course in this lesson! Thank God He is patient with me! I leave you with one of my favorite verses: John 14:27- "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Until next week, be blessed
Jenn
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