“One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy.”
~ Elisabeth Elliott ~
Busyness doesn’t mean effectiveness. It’s a way to cope with life. To feel important. I know the feeling all too well. As a stay-at-home mom and part-time writer, I try to busy myself when my kids are in school. Somedays I’m successful in my eyes and somedays I’m not. I’m a deep thinker, so often I spend my time trying to work through the thick layer of thoughts that cloud my brain. Thoughts of yesterday and thoughts of tomorrow. It’s extremely challenging to truly LIVE in the moment.
I saw a movie recently about living in the moment. Can’t remember the title. If you know what it is, please post a comment. Tried to find it online with no luck. Anyway it was about a young guy who learned to live free of the future and his past. He demonstrated this on the pommel horse in front of his coach and gymnastic team. His performance was breathtaking. I had tears in my eyes and I thought, “I want to live like that–every day.” Yet it’s so easy to forget. I have low energy days. Sometimes I’m mad or moody. I worry about money or my health or my kids. I feel guilty for not believing or trusting God 100%. All these emotions and thoughts distract me from my today.
I’m known to tell others, “I love how the word ‘present’ means right now and it also means a gift. Today is a present. We wouldn’t set a present down and say I’ll open it later. No, we’d eagerly rip off the paper and enjoy it!”
Now if I can only live this truth out in my own life.
Each day is a gift from God! The present! (My keychain has this phrase on it to remind me of my NOW!)
Thank you, Sarah, for hosting this week’s In Other Words.
“Each day is a gift from God! The present!”
This is so true and I love the perspective it gives! Great post!
I also find myself wrapped up in guilt over not accomplishing enough or weighed down by thoughts. But, I want to remember with you that today is a gift – the present.
Hi Tiffany,
Great post. I know it’s so easy to get caught up being so busy and feeling like we are being so “effective”.
I’m sure you’ll forever remember living in the moment as your little brother was in treatment.
It’s funny, I lived there for 3 years with my son, and now I live between his scans.
But God wants more, he wants all of me TODAY!
Blessings to you,
Susan
Tiffany,
I just love your honest heart and the depth of thought you bring my way. You always inspire me to take a closer look at my own life. Spending time with you this morning was my “gift” for today. So thanks! Great writing…Love ya!
What a great play on words that I had never considered! I’ll begin to think in terms of “present,” too!
Thanks for sharing!