Be Present

Whether you are driving, studying, playing, praying, etc... "Be present."

Back in high school, I used to go hiking in the nearby mountains every now and then with some friends. One time, a popular girl from school joined us. She was known for hanging out with the party crowd, something I stayed away from, so I kept my distance and didn’t try to impress her. While we were on a steep climb, I suddenly heard a scream from far above. When I looked up, she was falling, and somehow, she landed right in my arms. I happened to be standing in just the right spot, and thanks to my gymnastics background, I was able to catch her easily. We were never really close, if that’s what you’re wondering, but just by being present, I helped keep her from getting seriously hurt.

Recently, I was planning a trip to reconnect and help my aging parents, but had to adjust my travel plans last minute to 2 weeks later. The day before heading home, I was asked to take them to an appointment. I had some gas, but decided to top off the tank anyway. When I got to their house, I noticed my dad was acting strangely, his speech was slurred, drooling, and had trouble walking. I called his doctor and rushed him to the distant hospital, thankful I had filled up the tank. He was diagnosed with a stroke. This trip had some other coincidences that showed I was present in the right place at the right time.

Being present is embracing the beauty and stillness of the current moment. A zen approach that takes intentional focus. Not always easy in everyday life. We shed the weight of our inner chatter and fully immerse ourselves in the here and now. This allows us to connect with the essence of life, becoming attuned to our environment, emotions, and people around or above us. Ultimately finding a sense of fulfillment and contentment to replace worry and fear.

Being present naturally inspires us. It opens us to fresh ideas, insights, and creative sparks. With heightened awareness, we uncover opportunities and solutions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Furthermore, being present fosters a deeper relationship with our Father in Heaven. In the stillness of these moments, we create space for spiritual awareness and reflection, drawing us closer to Him. These are the moments when I can see His hand in my life.

Being present doesn't end with us; it extends to how we serve others. When we're present, we're better able to touch the lives of those around us. By listening and truly connecting with people, we offer our undivided attention, making them feel valued and loved. When listening, it is easy to get distracted by our perceived solutions rather than the person we are focusing on. Listen with empathy, not judgment.

Being present in service is a powerful tool for spreading God's compassion and empathy. It allows us to offer our comfort, prayer, and hope to those in need. Small acts of kindness, like a warm smile or a helping hand, can have a big impact on someone's day, spreading the message of Christ in everyday interactions.

Serving others with a present heart allows God to work through us. Using our unique gifts to bring a transformation for good to those we serve and realigning our spiritual compass.

Being present is a gift to ourselves and a shining light to others, a pathway to inspiration, a means to connect with God, The Source of Truth. As we embrace the now, we not only transform our own lives but also become instruments of God's love in our chaotic world. Strive to be present, and let it show in your service to others.

Be still, and know that I am God.

Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.