Missing the Miracle of Now
I’m perpetually torn, it seems, between the now and the beyond. I know that this is the day the Lord has made —this very day, right here — but before my bare toes brush the bedroom carpet, my mind shouts: Full steam ahead!
Before I take two steps, I am calculating long-term goals, trying to figure out how to shoehorn minutes in between seconds.
But there remains the miracle of now, and I routinely miss it. If I’m perpetually looking forward, I’ve fully missed the day I’m in. If God went to the trouble of making this day, wouldn’t I be wise to recognize its beauty?
The mind shouts: Charge!
But the soul whispers: Looky-here, girl.
If I am really going to widen my view, to see the big picture, maybe I need to shift my focus to the spot I’m standing.
Physical presence, it seems, does not mean that I actually have the vision to see what’s in front of me. I might be here, but I’m not all here. I can be sure-footed in this moment, with two bare feet tethered to the planet, but if my mind has raced into Beyond, I’m already living in tomorrow.
Just now, I think of how my girls have to repeat their questions, because I’ve completely missed what they’re asking.
Surely, I’ve been given this particular day for a reason. And it may not be for the completion of a huge task. Perhaps it is only that I would notice the girls’ matching smiles, the sweetness of their questions, the steady burn of sunlight, or the last dandelion standing in the yard.
Writing in community with The Gypsy Mama today. Each Friday, she picks one word, and asks us to write for five minutes on that one word. Just “stop, drop and write,” she says. 🙂
Today’s word: Beyond.
Related: My mother, Mama D., lives in the miracle of now. That’s why she’s always been the last one out of the church, the first one to make a new friend. I’m telling one of her stories today over at Faith Radio Net. (I want to be like my mom when I grow up.) Click here to read that story. Have a fantastic, in-the-now weekend! 🙂
I suffer from Shiny Object Syndrome.
I take my off the ball — I miss out what’s important because I’m chasing what is urgent. I miss out on blessings. This post encourages me to engage with life again.
Now, where was I?
Oh, goody – an entirely new meaning for SOS – love this, David.
Jennifer,
This is SO me. And I needed this today. I’m always trying to cram a size 11 to-do list into a size 7-1/2 day.
I’ve been sick for a couple of days and I’m not.getting.anything.done.
Thanks for reminding me not to be my own slavedriver.
As I sit and am amazed at the beauty of the sunrise I cannot help but STOP and realize this is the Lord’s creation. I think of all the things that need to be accomplished but find myself grasping the sun as it travels above the graveyard and am reminded of the Son of God rising to conquer death. I look out upon the cemetery and hear the words of the Apostle Paul saying “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Death is not the end but the beginning.
Pastor Rich, What a joy to have you here in the comment box. I appreciate you sharing what you see when you look upon a place like a graveyard. Your words offer real hope. Thank you.
That dandelion photo is truly stunning! So thankful you lived in the now of that moment and shared it with us.
Susan,
That means a LOT coming from you, Ms. Photographer Extraordinaire. 🙂
Beautiful photos, powerful and timely message! Thank you for sharing transparently with us. You always bless me!
Oh, how I feel this one. And, Jennifer? I want to be like your mom when I grow up too :). Ah, to live in the miracle of now.
This is so true! I so often find myself looking for the next big thing or trying to micromanage my future plans that I miss the now. The little daily things that are so important are completely lost on me. Thank you for this reminder to slow down and appreciate the present!
Me, too, Eden. Me, too.
I’m constantly being brought back into the process of relearning the importance of living in the moment. There’s a definite tension. Because we DO have to plan some things, in order to create a sense of order in our lives. And I’m a definite planner-type of girl. Learning what it means to live in balance …
Thanks for stopping by.
Well, looky here, girl. You gone and done it again. Hit me right below the belt – you know the one, the one I cinch up tight each day to charge straight ahead into all that waits. Time to let it out a notch or two, maybe even just leave it on the ground and plant my two bare feet right on this patch of earth, over here on the edge of the planet, and just take a good, long look. A real, true look. Thanks, Jennifer. Right on target.
Beautifully written, and a timely reminder, especially as lately I have been immersed in myself and avoiding the world around me. Thank you! ~Lori