Be present even when you don’t feel like it. On the days when we wake up, wishing it were already bedtime routine. When we’re counting down the number of hours we have left to sit at a desk or the minutes until the parents get home. The most important place you can be is where you are at the moment. Be all there–even when you don’t feel like it.
This is part of 31 days (of being present). Join the other 31 day-ers here.
So technically it's past midnight but today was jam packed and I should presently be in bed so here's my easy post for today.
Ok, she said we’d be done at 5:30. That gives me enough time to get to my 6:30 class across town. Cutting it close but it’ll work….I glance at the clock, it’s 5:45 I have to go. “And don’t forget…” It’s important information, I need to listen. 5:50, 5:55, 6:00. we’re still going. I’m starting to stress. I can’t be late, they’ve already rearranged their schedule once so I could teach….I take a deep breath. I hear the words, BE PRESENT. Focus on where you are, Rebekah. You can’t help it. You’re right where you need to be. Give it your all, be 100% there. 6:07, we’re dismissed. I’m in the car at 6:15. It’s ok, I was where I needed to be. Now be present by not driving like a maniac.
Sometimes we miss where we are because we're thinking about what's next. But really, where we are is the most important place we can be at the moment. Be present…even when you’re late.
This is part of 31 days (of being present). Join the other 31 day-ers here.
Who is in front of me right now? Do they have my full attention? Do I realize they are made in the image of God? Am I treating them that way? Am I extending them the grace that has been extended to me? Beyond the surface of refusing to sit criss cross applesauce on her dot, what is the yearning of the little 5 year old heart in front of me? As much as he gets on my nerves, do I realize that Jesus died for him too? Though I care way too much what she thinks, do I see that behind the power trip is really a whole bunch of insecurity?
May He grant us the grace and patience to see people as He sees them while we are present in our relationships.
This is part of 31 days (of being present). Join the other 31 day-ers here.
Today I’m reminding myself that where I am is where I should be.
No matter how much I think I want to be in the other room. As much as I want the appreciation I think I deserve. Regardless of whether I feel my efforts are or noticed or not, He knows where I will bring Him the most glory. And I have to trust that.
Oftentimes, I think the grass is greener on the other side and forget that the side I’m on is personally landscaped and fertilized for me. When I start wishing my situation was different, I'm not only telling God He doesn't know what He's doing but I'm missing the opportunites in front of me. It's a waste of time. Today, I'm choosing to be present where I am and realize that I've been placed here for a specific reason.
May He teach us to be present on our own side of the fence.
Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places…~Ps. 16:5-6
He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters ~Ps. 23:2
This is part of 31 days (of being present). Join the other 31 day-ers here.
The Nester has invited us to join her in writing everyday for the month of October…I’m going to try it.
This month, I want to learn to be present. I want to live in the moment and enjoy each day as it is. I want to worry and multitask less while I love and listen more. I’m learning to give myself (and others) the grace that He has given me. And to trust the Master Scheduler with “my” plans.
…bringing hope and dignity through dance.
The Beautiful Things Project is a series of choreographic works, designed to explore different elements of the Grand Story through diverse styles of dance. The goal is to create works of art to speak truth, inspire, and invite you into a story greater than your own.
The Beautiful Things Project from Bluebird: uncaged on Vimeo.
This first installment is a story of hope. It’s about finding freedom and confidence in the dignity that we are a new creation. It’s a story of redemption…because He makes beautiful things out of the dust.
Music: Gungor
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What is beautiful? Join our discussion on the blog.
Hi friends,
Over the past few years I’ve been trying to answer the question. “What do you want to do with dance?” Ultimately, I want to bring hope and dignity through dance. I want to encourage people to freedom and confidence in their unique identities and invite them into a story bigger than their own.
Originally, I thought I would wait until after my “career” to develop something. But in January the message was clear–why don’t you start now? So that’s what I’m doing.
Bluebird: uncaged is the little sprout of a dream that was shaped and refined during some of the toughest seasons of life so far.
Our first exhibition is the first installment of the Beautiful Things Project. Later in the year, we plan to expand to include a collective, workshops and special events. Stay tuned for more details!
What do you think? Any ideas? Comments? Suggestions? Looking forward to seeing where this journey leads. Thanks for joining us!
It was around 9:15pm. I was driving home from teaching for 5 hours. I was tired but my heart was full.
I didn’t have any quarters. As I approached the toll booth, I took the cashier lane farthest to the right because there was no line.
“Good evening” The woman’s face was worn but not old and framed with tiny black ringlets pulled into a low ponytail. She tossed 50 cents into the bucket to her left. Her bright orange DOT polo wasn’t the best against her darker complexion. “Hi, how are you?” I asked and handed her the dollar bill. Her blue rubber gloved hand stretched out to give me my 50 cents. The gate opened and the little lighted sign flashed me a green Thank You.
“That is beautiful, what is it?” she asked gesturing to my necklace. “Oh, thank you. It’s a bird and it says free. I have to remind myself sometimes” I replied. “Where are you from?” Is that gate going to close? “Oh, I’m from here” “Is your family from here?” Her South American accent was thick but still understandable “Yes” Where is she going with this? I glanced at the gate again.
“Then why do you have to remind yourself that you’re free?” Wow, big question. How do I answer with a toll booth sound bite? “I just have to remind myself that I’m not defined by who other people say I am. That I’m not defined by my circumstances….” Do I add this part or not? “…But I’m free to live as who God says I am” Too late, it’s already out.
Without hesitation she replied, “You need to remember, you are the most beautiful because you are so…” She searched for the right English word, ”…natural and spiritual. You don’t need to remind yourself because you are.” Whoa, she is preaching it to me. “You are the most free. Because you are so spiritual, you are free to fly anywhere you like” What do you say to that?
“Thank you for the encouragement. Do you always work here?” I asked. “From time to time” she replied. “Well hopefully I’ll see you again” I said as I took my foot off the brake. “God be with you” she said as I drove off toward the twinkling lights of ATL.
I don't know if my toll booth friend is walking with Jesus. I don't know why she felt the need to ask about my necklace; maybe she was lonely or maybe she just needed to practice a little English that night. But I do know that God used her to cheer up my heart and remind my head of how much He loves me.
Be bold. Encourage a stranger. Realize every interaction you have is a divine appointment–even if it's just at the toll booth.
Rebekah Diaddigo 