Thankful for Only Now

We tend to focus too much on the past. We allow the larger losses in life to occupy our time. Loss of a family member, a job, money, a relationship or a dream never reached. We get anxious about the future. Future of a family member, a job, money, a relationship or an anticipated dream. But if we focus too much on the past, losses, or the future, we lose what lies in front of us—what God places right before us now.

Each day that God gives represents moments in time. They come so quickly and go so quickly that if we are not careful, we miss them. They fade into the distance and remain gone forever. This reminds me to just be thankful for only now—the present. 

Living in the present tense brings freedom. You lose focus on the past and the future allowing you to act fully in the present and find the Lord’s signature in the moment—the now. Maybe the day appears mundane, non-glamourous or not extraordinary, but be careful not to miss what the Lord tries to show you through it.

For me, it’s the small things that grasp my attention. The fleeting moments that take my breath away. I realize they exist only now. The fervor, laughter and conviction my two sons display as they engage in combat over a topic of interest; the love in my granddaughters’ voices as they say “I miss you NanaCute” when we facetime each other; the tenacious spirit from my one-year old grandson as he tries to navigate his way into conversations; the smile on a friend’s face who needed encouragement at that moment.

So many other moments come to mind. Each day lies fill with newness, promise, and wonderful insights to what He wants to show us. Be thankful for every minute of the twenty-four hours He grants.  Be thankful for life. Jesus came to give us life in all its fullness.

Learn to be patient. Take your time. Slow down. Don’t be in such a hurry. Be willing and able to savor the moments in the now. What if you miss the gift God intends for you right now because you neglect to stand still long enough for Him to give it to you? What if you missed seeing a beautiful display of His glory and goodness?

Right now, in this moment, look around you and see the wonder and beauty of God and His creation. Your soul will fill with positive thoughts and good feelings allowing you to face the day with hope and promise.

During this Thanksgiving, be thankful for the present moment, because truthfully, there exists only now. Embrace every moment of every day as a gift to unwrap, cherish, and use. Whether feasting on the turkey dinner with family and friends, enjoying a hayride, walking on a nature trail, reading a book, listening to a song or just being still, be thankful for the present moment. A good time to be happy and joyful is now.

You will experience a blessed life if you become good at living in the now. Be open to the opportunities standing in front of you. Stay attentive to what He reveals at the moment.

I don’t know about you, but I cherish the fleeting moments and I don’t want to lose what lies in front of me.  So, I will embrace each day and be thankful for only now.  Why? Simply…