WHAT’S NEXT?: "Be Present" - A New Series by David Skidmore

When I was eight, I thought about what life would be like when I turned sixteen and could drive.  When I was sixteen, I thought about what it would be like to be a grown-up and be on my own. For as long as I could remember, I always thought about what life would be like in the days to come. One day, my friend Adina told me I needed to live in the moment. Adina thinks people waste a lot of time trying to live in the future, because they miss out on the present. We get so caught up in “what’s next” that we miss out on what is happening right now. Adina likes to meditate while sitting on top of boulders. She likes to be fully aware of the flavors of the food she is tasting. While people discuss future plans, she dances on the beach under the moon to the rhythm of the waves. I don’t know many people who live more fully in the moment than Adina.

I think we could learn from Adina in this, because she is living the words Jesus spoke to His disciples. “Do not worry about tomorrow.” When you live with bold faith right now, you join the Apostle Paul in “making the most of every opportunity.” When you live with fierce love in the present, you “encourage others according to their needs.” When you live with eyes open to God in this moment, you are able to “delight yourself in the Lord” and “taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Consider the marriage you want to have someday. Do you want to be with someone who is always in some far off place, or do you want someone who is fully present with you? Are you becoming a person today who is fully present with the people you are with?

Instead of obsessing over what is next, be fully present with God right here right now. Focus on being completely with the people you are with. Open your heart to the people around you. Love the people God has given you instead of devoting yourself to the people you wish God would give you. Live fully alive today.

Lord, help me to be fully present where I am. Help me to make the most of every opportunity. Let me give people the gift of my presence today, and let them see you through me.

 David Skidmore