Living In The Now
Summer days have finally settled in and temperatures are beginning to rise above 100 degrees. I’m not one to complain about the heat though, in fact I welcome it. I’ll sit and soak in the warmth of the sun on any day.
Sitting and soaking in those warm rays always gives me time to think and ponder, I think about days past, present and future. This last month was full of high school graduations. Some of which I was able to attend and celebrate, the accomplishments of those I have had the pleasure of crossing paths with in one way or another.
As I sat during one graduation ceremony I was completely taken back to my graduation day. As I listened to them announce what was almost my full name “Jessica …… …………” it was almost as if I was back on that field, anxiously waiting for my name to be called.
In that moment, so many (not THAT many) years ago, I can remember being very focused on the ceremony at hand. I was happy to be done with school and yet excited for the future all while taking in the present.
Then life comes in like a whirlwind of days, months and years. Before you know it you look back and wonder where has the time gone? I certainly still feel like that 17 year old girl.
See time is a funny thing. It is unchanging, demanding, and doesn’t make exceptions for anyone. We are bound by time in this world.
Time determines whether we are early, later or “on time”. It determines our schedules and agendas. It even determines our value as many of our work wages are established based upon “the hour”. Time sits quietly in the background while holding a large presence in the room. 
Time is three things; past, present and future and I only know of one instance where time has ever stood still. (Joshua 10:12-13) While I am not God and I cannot make time stand still I can live in the moment, in the now. One moment, one step, one day at a time.
I believe this is how God designed our days to be spent, because although He is outside of time, He created time and is very much inside of time, as He is with us. He is with us in the now.
Everything Christ has done for us, all His finished work is in the present because he does not answer to time.
There is a place to reminisce and look back on memories of times gone by or to plan and schedule for future events. However when we dwell on past situations or fret for the future our time is stolen from us. Our present moments are stolen from us. Then we look back and wonder where the time has gone.
When I purpose to live my life one moment, one step, one day at a time my days are longer, more enjoyable and more fulfilled. I truly believe life is to be lived and enjoyed now. Life is in the everyday, the journey. It is not about an arrival date, once I get that job, find my person, get the house, make X amount of money, succeed…….
I have found that the Bible is not silence on this topic either. There are many scriptures that discuss our length of days, length of years, satisfaction in life or lack of. I’ll leave you with a few scriptures to meditate on.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Proverbs 3:1-2 ESV (Reference Jeremiah 31:31-34)
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
With long life I will satisfy himand show him my salvation.
Embrace your life now. Make each day count by being present in your own life story.
Slow down and live.
Much love,
Jess