Embracing the Present

Embracing the present moment :: I heard someone say today, “Don’t count down the days til the end of quarantine, count UP the days to how much you can grow in this time.” And I think about wisdom and wanting to know what Jesus desires for us right now. Has it changed or has it always been the same and now maybe we begin to see differently? Because our eyes are looking around, our hearts are looking in, and our mind is looking for an answer.

There are a lot of voices out there right now. But the voice of Jesus and the wisdom found in his word are the only ones that matter. So here I give glory and testimony to Jesus.

When quarantine drove us indoors, I started asking the Lord a million questions. And I was always given the same answers - “I love you. I’ve got this. You can trust me. Stay right here where I can love you best.” Resting in his plan is easy when we know his nature.

That said, this time “alone” for the most part has been raw and refining for me. I’ve messed up countless times, but I’ve also had moments of victory over my emotions and selfishness. And every time I’ve chosen the better way, the way that leads to more of Jesus, I literally weep with joy and thankfulness. His power helps me choose, his grace is sufficient and his presence is enough. I am in love with this man Jesus - all he’s done, all he IS.

These days are short and precious days to be pouring out our affections for him - the only thing that will last for eternity. Let’s not waste this gift of time and opportunity to choose to love him with everything we are! “Lord teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” [Ps.90:12]

This weekend as we consider the life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, my prayer is that we’re all beginning to see it with new hope, greater love and clarity and with more vibrancy than ever before.

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. May we look carefully then how we walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” [Eph. 5:13-17‬]