Staying Present

by Morgan Breitling

This is the most important moment of your life. It’s the only one you’re currently in, and it’s the only one you have control over. What will you choose to do with it?

Our pastor shared this in a reflective moment recently, echoing a lesson I’ve needed to learn many times over: Stay fully present in the moment — not giving in to fear, not giving in to yearning for what has already happened or for what is to come.

My personality type is one that constantly looks ahead and plans for the future. This is helpful in many scenarios; however, it’s a downfall in others. My desire to be prepared for what’s next often prohibits me from enjoying what is right in front of me. My longings for “life change,” physical healing, and other issues can also preoccupy my mind and keep me from being fully present, as well.

If you think about it, I’m sure you can relate to what I’m saying. Do you get engrossed with thoughts about the future — or even something from the past? Do you become fixated on issues that are out of your control?

What if we let go of all that and trust that we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be? What if we choose to lean into this moment — this moment we’re in right now? How our hearts would change if we consciously became thankful for every breath. How our happiness would grow! Our relationships with our Father in heaven, with each other, and with ourselves would thrive if our expectations eased. When we cease to long for the past, or for things that haven’t come yet, we have the chance to be content and even joyful with our current circumstances, relationships and belongings.

In our spiritual lives, what if we decided in each moment to ask Holy Spirit to speak? Instead of waiting for the opportune time with a person who’s easy to talk to, we could have radically healing encounters with our Father, and with even the hardest of hearts at the most unexpected times. Or, in any worship service, whether or not the music sounds nice, we could choose to give our best praise — not because we feel like it, but because He’s worthy and it’s what we’re created to do.

The only moment you have control over is this moment. Right now. Pause and consider what is pulling you out of this moment. How can you choose to accept where you are right now and lean into what is right in front of you? Your Father wants to meet with you right where you are, so make some space for Him.

Freedom and joy are yours to experience right now!