As I woke up this morning getting ready for work. My body and mind seemed to be conditioned to busily do and busily think without even trying. I already starting thinking of all that I need to accomplish this week, and it really sucked the life and positivity out of my morning.
There is something important about living in the moment and not allowing the tasks of the day to distract you from missing out on the gifts of the simple act of living. How many moments do we miss when we live in the future or the past? I am committed today, and I encourage you to be committed to really be in the present. I know we have worries and concerns and extensive to-do lists, but what good will it do if all we do in the now is worry and stress. I encourage you to live in the moment.
Today is my first day back teaching, and I am going to choose to be all present with my students and their detailed winter break stories. I am going to choose to be all present with my co-workers and catching up. I desire to be all present with my husband when I get home and leave my concerns of my job at work. Be with the people that are around you. I think in the end we would be far more productive and more sensitive to those around us if we don't consume ourselves with stress and anxiety.
TAKE AWAY:
1. Live today by being all present with those around you and the task that you are doing.
2. Surrender your worries and stress of the rest of the week and focus on the task at hand today. Don't burn yourself out on a day that has not even happened yet.
MEDITATION:
“32 For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.
34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
DAILY CHALLENGE:
1. What do you need to do and who do you need to be today? Focus on being and doing just that.
2. How could you surrender your worries to God in a way that propels you to live more present and less distracted?