Category: 31 days

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, ‘Build houses and live in them…" ~Jeremiah 29:4

Set routines, make friends, settle down, allow yourself to relax. Begin to establish rhythms of familiarity. When we’re settled to a healthy degree of comfortable, we can begin to really see what’s going on around us. Instead of being consumed with the next thing, we can focus on where we are at the moment. We begin to build deeper relationships, invest in what matters to us, and fully live the life we were meant to. When we don’t appreciate the season (or even moment) we’re in, we end up living only a surface-deep life. We become shallow because we’re never fully engaged in the activity at hand. Being present allows us to soak up every lesson and opportunity that comes our way so that we can live the life we were meant to live. 

Live–fully, freely, deeply, moment by moment.  

This is part of 31 days (of being present). Join the other 31 day-ers here.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, ‘Build houses…" ~Jeremiah 29:4

You’re going to be here a while. Take the clothes out of the suitcase and hang them in the closet. 

A sense of permanency comes with building a house. Getting our minds in a permanent mindset (even if the situation really is temporary) helps us to focus on what’s in front of us. It may not be a house we’re called to build at this moment; it could be community, it could be a business, it could be a family. In order to make progress and move forward, we need to get out of the temporary mindset. Temporary feeds off of a tyranny of the urgent attitude; permanent focuses on building something that will last. When we’re  present within the situation as if it were long term, we advance the task at hand rather than letting it stagnate. What could you accomplish if you were present with a long term attitude?

Look around. Be present. You’ll be here a while. Build something. 

 

This is part of 31 days (of being present). Join the other 31 day-ers here. 

This summer during our family “rest in Destin”, Daddy gave us each a scripture to meditate on. My particular verse was from Jeremiah 29. As I was revisting the chapter today the words echoed in my head again, BE PRESENT. God was telling the Israelites to be present in their captivity! And He gave specific instructions on how to do it! 

Now, the Israelites had just been taken into captivity. Their world had been turned upside down. They had been uprooted from their homeland and forced to live with foreigners. Their hearts ached for a home. And they had no idea what was to come in the days ahead. 

Imagine the questions: Should we keep our bags packed or move into the chest of drawers? Should we buy some groceries or keep continue to figure it out meal to meal? What about that family we just met, they seemed nice, will we be here long enough to establish community? 

Sound familiar? Though we may not physically be in exile, sometimes our situations feel similar. It’s hard to be present in what may seem like a temporary situation. May these verses (particularly their verbs) over the next few days bring clarity and encouragement.

 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, ‘Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there and do not decrease. Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.’ ~Jeremiah 29:4-7

 

This is part of 31 days (of being present). Join the other 31 day-ers here. 

This is part of 31 days (of being present). Join the other 31 day-ers here. 

Joshua’s car got stolen today.

We’re a little miffed. 

This loss is an opportunity.

Daddy circled us up to pray for whoever did it.

We call him or her “X”

Yesterday, we had no idea this person existed.

Today, there are more than 6 people entering the throne room for “X”.

Eternity is at stake. 

Your present moment is an opportunity to be leveraged. 

How will you use it?

This is part of 31 days (of being present). Join the other 31 day-ers here.  

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. 

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.