be careful how you live
In Jeff Schreve’s book Real Encouragement for Real Life, he states:
“I have found that a good number of people live in the past. They live longing for the good ole days – or mourning past failures, wishing they could go back and do it over again…God wants us to learn from the past and let go of the past. While some live in the past, others life in the future…Living in the future also robs you of the precious present because tomorrow may never come. All we have to live in is today. Certainly, we are to plan for tomorrow, but we are to live in today and make the most of each day.”
As we discussed these ideas in Sunday School this past Sunday someone commented that living in the past is like driving while constantly looking in the rearview mirror. Unfortunately, I had a story about that. A few years ago, my mother was so worried about the person driving behind her that she failed to navigate the off ramp on to her street. She took down a highway sign, a light post and stopped just feet from a tree all within yards of her home. Thankfully she wasn’t injured but the car was totaled. Rearview mirrors are useful but we need to drive looking through the windshield.
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13 – 14.
I think another hazard for us today is we can be somewhere but not “be” present because of technology. I can be with you but be texting someone else or googling something. Technology is great but being present, being in the now is hard. N.O.W. = No Other Worries or Work. Giving my full attention to those who I am with at this moment for me that would be making the most of every opportunity. And isn’t that what Jesus did. He was always fully present with whomever he was with. I saw a church sign once that said, “Jesus never hurried.” That is another great thing to strive for.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
These are good thoughts, Ann. I would like to repost this on my own blog. Can we talk?
Jacqueline,
Thank you for your encouraging words. I sent you a note via your blog. Ann
Probably one of the harder things to maintain! I’m a diabetic and the “cure” or its supposed path has me pricking myself 2-5 daily to check my sugar. Always picking at the scab. It’s a challenge to stay in the present with such built in controls. Thank you for the reminder!
Peter,
Thank you for sharing part of your story. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to stay in “today” when you have a medical condition that takes such maintenance. Be well. Take care. Serve Him. Ann
Ann, Yes it is very easy to not be present because of technology. When I go have lunch with my daughter I always ask her to put her phone up. Likewise, I think we also allow many “technical” distractions to come between us and God. Sometimes I just need to put up my stuff so I can be in tune with His voice. Good post.
Hearing His voice takes practice. The world so easily distracts but nothing is better than the still small voice of our Lord and Savior. Hugs, Ann
Such a great reminder to be present when we are with loved one and friends. We too often get distracted with other things.
Being distracted is so easy but staying tuned in reaps so many benefits.
Hugs, Ann
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