Present

By Pastor Paul Gauche

Today’s Word: ‘Present’ as in… be right here, right now.

I have a sticky note posted where I see it often. It has become, over time, like the quiet voice of a caring friend asking me, “Where are you right now?” It doesn’t scold or mock me. It doesn’t imply deficiency. It doesn’t ask me to be other than I am. It invites me to wonder. It invites me to become more aware of myself right here, right now. And then the invitation becomes clear: “Come back.”

Ironically, I see that note mostly when I’m daydreaming!

“Where are you right now? Come back.” This question is an important reminder of how easy it is to lose focus on the “here and now” and how difficult it is to avoid becoming completely lost in the “there and then.”

Squirrel?

The fourth guiding narrative of Thriv’ëra reminds us that as image-bearers of the Divine, we are called to be fully present human beings; we learn to be more fully alive by leaning into what each moment has to offer. We thrive in the present as people who practice sabbath rhythms, seek margin, welcome silence, pause to listen, acknowledge thin space, and immerse in what each moment has to teach.

Moving through the next several weeks, we’ll focus on the importance of returning to the present moment. We’ll explore some ancient sabbath practices and how balancing work, and rest brings healing to our over-scheduled lives. We’ll consider the power of silence, the life-giving rhythms of creating (making) and celebration (not making), and why we’re called “human beings,” not “human doings.”

Thriving Reflections:

++ Identify a place where you feel most fully present. Where is that place and how does it help you feel “here and now?”

++ What does it mean to be fully present in this moment?

++ Every moment of our lives has something to teach. Can you recall a moment that taught you something vitally important?

++ What sabbath rhythms have been helpful to you?

++ How do you create margin in your life?

++ How do you understand ‘Thin Space’?

++ How does dwelling in the present help you thrive?

#100days50words

#Thriv’ëra

Paul Gauche is the Pastor of Life Transitions at Prince of Peace. His posts are part of his #100days50words project, where he blogs about a different word each week. You can follow his project on Instagram (@pgauche) or his blog, Thriving Rhythms.