Hi to all my beautiful friends and readers! Life in Indonesia has been full of miracles, challenges, new relationships, and faith-building opportunities. I am learning so much and can’t express how important this next topic is for you. For us.
Life can get pretty hectic, can’t it? Deadlines, responsibilities, and distractions seem to pull us in all directions. But you know what? It’s time to take a breather and focus on something vital—living in the moment. Let’s begin…
1. A Divine Invitation:
God is so good to us. He KNOWS us. I can come up with things to worry about that shouldn’t even be on the table for discussion. Rich looks at me like, “Woman, get a grip.” Other things… well, they are understandably worrisome, like this following sentence.
I was recently asked to visit the Kerobokan Penitentiary Institution here in Bali to minister to the women incarcerated there. It’s notorious for being extremely dangerous and overcrowded; security is almost nonexistent. I immediately began to WORRY. Maybe fear would be a better word at first. I was trying to devise reasons why it wouldn’t be a good idea or that perhaps it shouldn’t be me… but God shushed me on the spot.
I felt God asking me… “Why did you come if you are too fearful or worried to do what I ask?” Well, God, now that you put it THAT way… 🙄 I will trust you.
Worrying about something coming in the future will rob me of what is happening today.
Luke 12:25: “Who of you, by worrying, can add a single hour to your life?”
Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
God invites us to trust Him fully and live each day as it comes.
OR I can live each day worried about that day and ruin other opportunities and moments God has for me. It’s my choice.
What are YOU spending time worrying about?
2. Letting Go of Worries:
Okay, I’ll be honest with you. Anxiety can be a destroyer of LIFE, can’t it? It can rob our peace, our rest, our physical and mental health, our spiritual growth, ministry, our relationships and families, our work… it can DESTROY much of our lives if we allow it!
But here’s the good news: Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Can I get an amen? Living in the moment means surrendering our worries to God, trusting that He’s got everything under control. Can you recognize when you have something out of balance in your life that is creating this anxiety? Are you taking it into other moments and areas of life that it does not belong? Your work or (insert topic) comes with you into the bedroom, family time, prayer life, or even church. Don’t allow this deceiver to steal and take from you every moment of blessing God is trying to get to you.
3. Finding Joy in the Ordinary:
Life can feel like a never-ending chase of us trying to catch the future. We always long for what is coming tomorrow, the next big thing, or waiting for a breakthrough. But you know what? True joy isn’t just found in the extraordinary; it’s hiding in plain sight in the ordinary moments of life.
My husband is a master when it comes to this. He has taught me so much about enjoying the moment. “Annie!! We are sitting here together, in love, eating a fresh breakfast with coffee, enjoying the fresh air!” Sometimes, it’s annoying, but I usually force myself to BE IN THE MOMENT! He is right! I cannot take him or our lives together for granted!
Ecclesiastes 9:9a reminds us to “enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun.” So, let’s slow down, my friend, and savor the simple pleasures. Let’s find joy in the laughter of loved ones, the warmth of a sunny day, the air conditioning on a blazing day (a shoutout to my AZ friends), and the taste of a delicious meal, no matter how simple. Life is full of blessings if we open our eyes to see them.
4. Cultivating Mindfulness:
Mindfulness—it’s not just some trendy buzzword. It’s actually a biblical principle! In Psalm 46:10, we’re encouraged to “Be still, and know that I am God.”
I know most of you, and being still is not your strong suit🫣. Especially in your minds. However, it is still required and much needed. Practicing mindfulness can silence the noise around us, focus on the present moment, and deepen our connection with God. Whether through prayer, meditation, or simply pausing, let’s be intentional about being fully present. Trust me, it’ll transform your relationship with God and the way you experience life.
5. Cherishing Relationships:
The most precious and beautiful part of life is found in our relationships. Without them, life is no life at all. God has blessed us with incredible people in our lives, right? In 1 Peter 4:8, we’re reminded to “above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Romans 12:10: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
One day, we met one of our friends for coffee, and he exclaimed, “Look how beautiful today is!! We are here together, you and me, sharing breakfast and having coffee, looking at the beautiful scenery in the sunshine! What a GREAT day!”
Rich and I didn’t know what to make of it at first…I personally thought, “Woah, take it easy, dude… it’s just eggs and toast!”
But two months later, our precious friend was dead. We didn’t know he would be gone so soon. And we were so thankful he thought to live in that moment we had together. It is a lesson I will never forget.
Stop being on your phone when you are having dinner with your spouse or loved one, stop bringing other things into your time with family, friends, church relationships,… and BE ALL THERE. Look into each others’ eyes and truly connect. Embrace each other and laugh or cry together. Life is all about the people we share it with!
Living in the moment is a choice we make every single day. By embracing the present, letting go of worries, finding joy in the ordinary, cultivating mindfulness, and cherishing relationships, we can experience a deeper sense of gratitude, peace, and fulfillment.
God has so much more for us… I don’t want to miss ANY blessings or opportunities God has for me! Let’s learn to live in each moment and catch them all!
