Lately I’ve been reflecting on all the mundane moments of my life, and how God has been using them to teach me about being in God’s presence, about remaining connected to my life. I have become fascinated by the moments in life when you cannot do anything but wait, but be still.
I am a planner. In my work life I am often thinking about next December before I am even thinking about this one. And I am definitely thinking about next week before Friday ever comes around. As a consequence, it has historically been quite difficult for me to “live in the moment.” I have at times felt this phrase was overrated. To me, living in the moment meant not being prepared, not being aware of what God was planning.
Now, I feel differently. I understand living in the moment in a different way. I still plan. And I have also learned to slow down. I have lived so much of my life jumping from one moment to the next, moving ahead in order to “get ahead,” that I have missed the thing happening right in front of me. The slow moments, the moments when we are forced to wait, those moments are actually the essence of our lives. Our lives contain more of these moments than anything else. Why would God give them to us if they were not meant to be treasured? These moments are gifts God has given us that make us a full person.
It could not be a more important time to reflect on these small instances in our lives. As Advent begins, most of us are working in overdrive. We are so busy buying things, attending parties, making plans, that all attention to the present moment disappears. But imagine if it didn’t.
In embracing these moments not only am I more relaxed, but I experience more of the joy God wants for me. I see God more in everything I do. As people of God, we are called to a life of seeking God, of longing for God’s presence. I’ve been so focused on seeking God in my future that God had to teach me how to seek God in the present. And from this lesson I’ve truly internalized that God is in all things. Every experience is precious. Every moment is sacred. Because every moment is proof that we are alive, that we worship a God who saves, that we love a God who loves.
As is my practice, I wrote a poem in response to reflecting on this change in me. It’s called Sacred Moments.
