As the calendar changes and I strive
to remember to write “2015” I sometimes find myself struggling to
stay present in the moment. I start entertaining thoughts like “I
wonder what will happen in the coming year.” and “Where will I be
when this year comes to an end?” And, instantly, I am in some
nonexistent and imaginary future which is populated by anxiety and
stress. Of course I know better than to wander down such paths. And
yet, somehow, I still manage to do it from time to time – until I
remember to take a deep breath and allow myself to be drawn back to
this present moment. A little pondering, wondering and speculating
can be a useful practice. It helps me to be open to the
possibilities. But when such reflecting begins to take on a life of
its own then it becomes a distraction. This moment, right here, right
now, is the only moment that is truly real. It is the only moment
where I can be fully alive. And the only way to be fully present in
this moment is to give up the illusion that I can control what will
happen in the future by worrying about it. In the book we are
currently reading for the Tuesday book group (“Why I am an
Atheist Who Believes in God: How to Give Love, Create Beauty and Find
Peace”) Frank Schaeffer writes, “My illusion of control
over my life is long gone. I am part of a story; I am not the story.
I’ve given up on planning. Rather, I plan while hoping that my
plans won’t work. I’ve experienced the serendipity of my plans
failing. Then my failures sometimes open doors to things better than
those I’d wished for.” May
this be the year (now – this very moment) when you let go and fall
head first into the wonder of your amazing life in this amazing
world.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
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