present
A chilling rain invades the new day. The steady breeze delivers the humid intruder and reminds us that the season of steady warmth has not yet descended. We could easily go to the place that laments what was or yearns to experience what we wish to come. Neither lamentations nor yearnings serve this day well. Here, right before us, is the presence of mind, the comfort of grace and the calmness of mercy that pervades this place called now. Too often we scurry past this place of present, dragging bags of past or kicking cans we believe are useful at some point to come. As we lay down our bags and leave the can un-kicked we are present to enjoy that fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) May your “now” be filled with good fruit!
As the dawn appears the mist rises from the surface of the pond. The mist is like the memory of what was. The pond water retained its heat much better than the chilled air that blew in overnight. Hanging onto its remnant of warmth in air that yesterday was warmer the water is forced to give up its past in light of the present. All is not lost as new and greater warmth will soon arrive to bring revival to the chilling water. The mist of memories often clouds the discoveries in a new day. Sometimes opportunities to enjoy the offerings of the present are obscured by the prism of the past. A frank acknowledgement of those lingering memories along with an offering of gratitude for having experienced them sparks a bounty of thankfulness for what is yet to be discovered. Clearing the shadow of yesterday broadens the lens through which today may be experienced!
Wrapping paper strewn in the frantic presence of excitement over the receiving moment has been gathered and awaits the trash man. All the buttons and switches have been pushed or flicked as the gadgets stood their test. New clothes await their dressing moment as size anticipates its best. The afterglow of the celebration day still lingers as we look forward to the New Year. As time for reflection approaches we cease upon the moment at hand and give thanks for the warmth and security of this time and place and the presence of Love Himself, whom we celebrate. Otherwise annoying symptoms that remind one of life’s frailties are meshed in the moments of rejoicing in relationship, friendship, and kinship. May the greatest of all gifts, the grace of God, be unwrapped each gifted day.