In researching this topic about living in the present moment I read something that seems like it would be very helpful. Whenever you feel you are drifting and unfocused ask yourself “Where are my feet?” I love the simplicity of this question and that it helps me to use my body to anchor myself in the present moment. So, when I catch my mind wandering away from the present and being caught up in anxious feelings, I will remember to ask myself “Where are my feet?”


Questions for further thought:
1. Do you already have a method of bringing yourself to the present when needed?

2. If so, what is it and could it possibly help someone else around you?   


​Challenge: Let this quote be something that can help you remember what a blessing it is to live in the present moment. 

I read a quote in a devotional of mine from Father Thomas Keating. He said “God is only in the present moment.” That seems to almost go against what we have been taught. I mean we know God was with us yesterday and promises to be with us tomorrow and forever and even goes before us. But He is only fully present to us in the present moment. We cannot go back in time or go forward into tomorrow as God can.


Questions for further thought:
1. Has this thought ever crossed your mind?

2. Why is living in the present so difficult? 


​Challenge:  Think about which might be harder for you. Living in the past or living in the future. 

There is a well known (to some) R.E.M song called “Stand.” The first few lyrics go “Stand in the place where you live. Now face north, think about direction, wonder why you haven't before.” I read that R.E.M’s underlying message in this song is about becoming aware and involved in the places you are at this very moment of your life. The Lead singer-song writer of the band was quoted saying “It’s about making decisions and actually living your life rather then letting it happen.” It’s important that we make the most of where we are at this moment in our lives rather then becoming distracted by where we are hoping to be someday.
 

Questions for further thought:
1. Is it hard to focus on where God has placed you in this season of life? 

2. Does wanting to be somewhere else in life (different job, location etc..) keep you from getting involved with where you are placed at this moment? 


​Challenge: Think of one way to do something to make a difference with where you are placed at this time.  

If you are anything like I am you have had times in life where you want to schedule and organize your life for the foreseeable future. I buy new planners or notebooks, make new spreadsheets about what I will tackle next week, next month or next year. Then life changes happen. There is a call from the doctor about a medical diagnosis, a loved one has an accident and it’s a slow recovery or a family member needs you suddenly to care for them for a while. This makes us slow down majorly. It puts our future plans on hold and makes us live day by day and sometimes hour by hour. During these times in our lives we are reminded that this is how God has intended us to live. He did not write our lives out year by year but moment by moment. 


Questions for further thought:
1. Is planning for the future taking you away from the moments you are in now?

​2. What is an example of a life event that made you slow down? 


Challenge: Pray for those this week who have had circumstances slow them down that they may see the value in living moment by moment. 

You often hear actors and actresses being taught to “live in the moment” when they are rehearsing their scenes. That means they need to be committed to listening, feeling and being directly committed to the emotions of what is happening in that exact moment in that scene. Not over-thinking what the next lines or stage movements will be and rushing through.  Real life is much the same way, it is hard for us to focus in the “moment” because we are concerned about what comes next or even dwelling on things from the past. If we are going to enjoy all life has to offer, we need to be where God is - He is in the “now.” So, live in the moment, focus on what God is doing now and put your hope in what He will do in the future.
 

Questions for further thought:
1. Do you tend to focus more on things of the past or future? 

2. What would “living in the moment” look like for you? 


​Challenge:  Try to spend a little time in solitude each day this week to seek God, breathe and live in the moment. 

A choice to follow Jesus is not a choice for an easy life, but one where we are not alone trying to succeed in our own strength. Instead, we are given the power of the Holy Spirit by our gentle Savior who walks with us. It probably seems counterintuitive to give up your way and follow Christ’s desires for your life, but this simple, yet profound decision not only saves you from eternity separated from God, it also provides peace, hope, and joy while on earth.


Questions for further thought:
1. Are you weary from the burdens of this world? What keeps you from accepting the rest Jesus offers?

2. “What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Mark 8:36)  


​Challenge: If you have never truly given your life to Christ, do so now. Jesus is waiting for you with open arms! If you are struggling in your walk with Christ, recommit to following Jesus’ way in everything, every day. Let Him teach you and you will find rest for your soul.

This passage has always been a difficult one for me because I readily identify with Martha. Many of us “doers” struggle not to be resentful towards those who aren’t helping, yet Christ affirms Mary’s choice to sit at His feet. There is a time and place for everything. The key is to joyfully go about doing whatever you feel called to do, without expecting others to do the same. Hospitality is very good but taking time out to be in the Lord’s presence is essential.


Questions for further thought:
1. When is the last time you made an effort to stop rushing and just be with the Lord?

2. How would your life change if you prioritized time with the Lord over all the tasks you do every day?  


​Challenge: If you tend to be Martha-like, take the next opportunity to let someone else serve so you can focus on learning, worshiping, etc. and don’t feel guilty about it! If you’re already good at being like Mary, consider serving sometimes so others can “sit at the Lord’s feet.”

This passage demonstrates Jesus’ miraculous ability to heal and bring the dead back to life, but it also shows how He took time to connect with people, even when He was busy with something very important. As we are doing ministry and/or caring for people’s immediate needs, let’s remember to take time out for the seemingly insignificant moments. 


Questions for further thought:
1. Why did Jesus take the time to stop and talk to the woman after she was already healed?

2. How can you adjust your approach to ministry to be more like Christ’s?  


​Challenge: The ministry of The Banquet is a great example of this concept. Most people assume the whole point is to provide food for those who are hungry, but the staff encourage volunteers to also dine with guests and have a conversation. Try it – show someone that they are more than an empty stomach – that they truly matter.

Often divine appointments come at times when they are least convenient for us. We’re usually running late, doing something important, or feel ill-equipped to assist. What if we lived life expecting God to present us with opportunities to serve Him by helping others in need?

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Questions for further thought:
1. When was the last time you set aside your busyness to help someone in need?

2. What blessings have you experienced when you chose to “be a neighbor?”


Challenge: Think about the times you have passed by an opportunity to show God’s love by meeting a need. Do you feel regret? Why didn’t you help? Now prepare yourself for next time and ask God to give you another chance!

Think about the one thing that keeps most of us busy most of the time. Work often takes up about half of our waking hours and even more of our energy and focus. We all know “making a living” is essential to provide food, clothing, and shelter for our families, but Jesus clearly says not to let this pursuit cause worry. Instead, He tells us to keep our focus on God and build up spiritual “treasure.”


Questions for further thought:
1. What adjustments can you make to lessen your job’s drain on your time and energy?

2. Verse 32 states, “it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” How do you feel when you ponder this truth? Does it motivate you? 


​Challenge: Take an honest look at your “relationship” with your work. Does your job control your life? Is work your number one priority? Is the stress of your career zapping your joy? Change whatever is within your power so you can have a better balance – even if it’s just your perspective on work.