>> Being Present

Do you ever get caught up in tomorrow and forget about today? If so, we should be friends. Or maybe not..too much about tomorrow, not enough about today? Lately, I've found myself focusing on the future and neglecting to engage in the present.  If you know me, you know I'm very much of a planner. Much of the time, this works in my favor, but now would not be one of those times. Recently, it's been too easy for my mind to wonder if/where I might attend graduate school, where we'll live once Bryan is done with school, what my future career moves might be (because I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up)...and the list goes on...and on. While I don't believe that thinking upon these things is bad, it's the way I've "balanced" the present and the future that has been a little dicey. With the busy lives we lead full of booked schedules and not enough sleep, it's so very easy to get caught up in whatever may be next. Quite frankly, life is full of change and transition that come at us constantly, so if we're always looking to what's next, do we ever really take time to enjoy what's now? Recently, God has gently reminded me (ok, not so gently because subtlety doesn't really get my attention) that there is so much to be learned, appreciated, and enjoyed in the present. Each day is a beautiful blessing full of newness and wonder. As I try to stop, slow down, and focus on the moment, I'm also being reminded that God did not intend for us to know the future and worry about tomorrow. He simply asks us to rely on Him fully while approaching this life one day at a time. It's a simple lesson, really. But, one that is easily lost in the chaos of life (and my stubbornness). So thankful for God's abundant grace as I re-learn how to live in the present (even on days when I just want to fast forward), to invest in all that's around me, and to enjoy the journey with Him leading the way. So, I challenge you to be present where you are, focus on each new day, and take time to enjoy the little things. After all, they say it's the "little things" that we someday realize are the "big things." I think they were onto something...

Until next time,

AA


Oh, and in spite of this post, I've decided it's ok if we all wish away the Razorback football season and focus on the future, not the present. Hog fan for life right here, but y'all, let's just end the misery!