Too often we are consumed thinking of what’s next instead of being concerned about what’s now. We miss the whole point of today gazing longingly at tomorrow. We’re all hoping for better days. We all want something more. Perhaps tomorrow our ship will come in. Next week will hold that promotion, settlement, or lucky break. The future holds great promise and we can’t wait to experience what it may offer. I believe the point of life is not somewhere in the distance but rather right here, right now.
We have little sway over the future. Circumstances bigger and more numerous than we can conceive will weigh in on what our future looks like. But this moment we have in our hands, the time we have right here, right now, is ours to impact and influence. The responsibility is huge and weighty. We must not let it pass us by.
I confess my habits and personality have developed over the years such that I am always looking for what’s next. I quickly look to check off the current moment so I can get to the next one. This isn’t how it’s supposed to be. When I study the life of Jesus, I get the sense He was never in a hurry. He was peaceful and purposeful, always taking the time to fully examine and maximize the moment in which He found Himself. He was purposeful, patient, and eager to wring everything He could out of every conversation. Jesus knew how to live. He modeled the life He created each of us to live. The way He moved and interacted was pure beauty and driven by an intense love for everyone He encountered.
Have you ever considered how much exists in this moment right here, right now? What do you see? What do you smell? How many different textures are within your reach? Most of all, who is surrounding you? What does love require of you in this moment? How might you take everything around you and use it to experience and glorify God? There is astounding beauty and unlimited opportunity all around us in every moment, but we take advantage of so little of it. How many moments have we wasted and taken for granted in our lifetimes?
I desire to live each moment for His glory. I want to bask in this moment, right here, right now. God has given you this moment for a purpose. You have a responsibility to represent Jesus right here, right now. How will you seize the moment and glorify Christ? How will you partner with your Creator to turn this ordinary moment into a God-glorifying moment? Don’t race on to the next minute without first fully experiencing this one. Thank God for every good thing, every moment He brings to your life. We all need to slow down and learn to experience Him more fully. He is with us always but how often do we recognize and acknowledge Him? Take a breath. Focus, and look for what God has for you in this moment right here, right now.