Maybe the Present is the Present

       We're just past Thanksgiving and already thoughts of Christmas are filling our heads. I've lived much of my life absorbed in planning, whether for a trip, a lesson for school or church, or an event, be it holiday, birthday, or a simple meal. Lately, feeling incapable of looking ahead, I've spent much time looking back with nostalgia on past trips, celebrations, or events, always ending up thinking about how pointless planning is for me now.  Sometimes being in the moment is challenging.

      Right now, though, as a lifelong friend lies near the end of her long battle with cancer, and I think about another dear friend who died suddenly around this time a few years ago, I'm taking stock of how I spend my time and energy. My cancer-ridden friend has continued to be upbeat  and positive, even praying for me as she suffers. The other precious sister, a blessing to all who knew her, was full of life and joy always until she collapsed while looking at photos from the latest trip she and her husband had just enjoyed. 

      These two cherished friends are even now reminding me how precious every moment is, what a gift each breath of life is. I confess, this perspective is extremely difficult for me. And yet, my God understands and demonstrates His love to me, even when I'm struggling to put one foot in front of the other. It happened just now. 

      As I almost begrudgingly lifted my computer onto my lap, because He wouldn't let me ignore these thoughts any more, I felt angry, resentful, sad, frustrated; frankly, I was having a pity-party. Bill had given up trying to help me with a computer problem, because I just wasn't having it, if you know what I mean. Even Copper the dog was staying across the room from me staring, looking puzzled at my expressions of frustration. Bill finally decided to take Copper for a walk. (Can't blame either of them for wanting to get out of the house!) 

      Copper (and God) had something else in mind, though. In two flying leaps a 70-pound coonhound was in my lap, on top of the computer keyboard, licking my face! The neck pillow that stays right above my head on the back of my chair landed on my head like a hat, a sight which Bill thought was so funny he had to take a picture. My tears of frustration turned to hysterics, and I almost wet my pants, truth be told. That silly dog wouldn't move off my lap until I sat up and reached for my shoes. Needless to say, I just came back from a short walk with the two "boys" in my life, and there's even a tiny smile on my face. 

      Friend, how about we pledge to each other during the upcoming holidays and even beyond to worry less about what's past or what might be coming and enjoy the gift of the present. Let's not miss all those moments that are graces from His hand.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."  (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

"Who can straighten what He has made crooked? When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future."  (Ecclesiastes 7:13-14) 

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"  (Matthew 6:25-27 NIV)

Since I'm preaching to myself, why not embarrass myself?