Ever feel like you’re missing your life? We blink and the kids are grown or aging parents suddenly need us. And those dreams or plans we had for our lives? They now seem out of reach as we wonder where the time went or why we were not purposefully present.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” ~Ferris Bueler in the movie Ferris Bueler’s Day Off
Our society is plagued with information overload, multitasking, and our a diminished attention span. Is this the life God planned for us? For me, I believe the answer is no.
Purposefully Present
I want to stop and look around like Ferris says. I want to be more present in my life before I miss it. So for the next seven weeks we’ll dig into what it means to truly be present. I love the acronym memory technique so we’ll focus on each letter of the word as we explore being PRESENT.
There are many variations of being present and initially mindfulness and awareness came to mind. But for me it begins with being purposeful. So let’s begin with P for purposeful.
Last week we explored our purpose and realized that OUR purpose comes to full fruition in HIS purpose for us. Our lives are meant to honor and reflect God to the world around us. But if all we are doing is going through the motions as we rush through life, are we truly honoring and reflecting God? If your answer like mine is increasingly no, then let’s begin to be present by being purposeful.
Living a life being fully present isn’t just about fulfilling our purpose but also about being present ON purpose-with intent. Living present on purpose is intentionally being there even if or when we don’t want to be. It’s being aware of everything and everyone around us and honoring and reflecting God in the midst of it, even the difficult.
Occasionally my children will say “I don’t want to” to something I ask of them. I explain that I do many things daily that I don’t want to! That’s life. It’s the same with being present. Sometimes we don’t want to be fully present in an uncomfortable situation or with a difficult person. But that’s what God calls us to do-reflect Him in every moment, not just the ones we want or prefer.
Jesus was fully present in the hard and ultimately most difficult moment. Let’s not shy away from our moments but find God’s strength to be present in them. I’ve found it’s in these hard moments that I sense God’s presence the most. But only when I’m fully present in them.
How to be present
Life does move pretty fast as Ferris pointed out. How can we practice purposefully being present so we don’t miss what God has for us? How can we put on our new nature like the apostle Paul reminds us?
Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. ~Ephesians 4: 23-24, 5:1-2
Maybe it’s tuning out social media to engage with friends or family in person. Or reaching out to someone in need and offering something even if it’s just yourself. Better yet, just show up. In some of my darkest days, my true friends just showed up. They didn’t always say much, but their presence was powerful.
Let’s engage purposefully in our lives and the lives of those around us. It doesn’t have to be incredible gestures. It’s as simple as hanging out with our kids, family and friends. Notice the servers, wave to the crossing guard, or say hi to the coworker who seems down. Being aware and acknowledging others is the first step in reflecting God to them.
Also be purposefully present with God. Worship, read His Word, pray and seek Him. God is ever present with us, let’s purposefully seek Him and as He says, we WILL find Him.
It’s time to be purposeful and present. Let’s not miss any more of our days, by simply going through the motions. The song Motions by Matthew West sums this up well and became my mantra after a hard season years ago. Living for His purpose has meant many different and at times, difficult moments. But they have been some of the most amazing years of my life.
God has an amazing plan for each of us. Let’s live for His purpose, on purpose. Let’s be present on purpose today, this Lenten season and for all our days.
Join me this lenten season as we explore how to #BePresent and let’s encourage each other!
That’s such a powerful song, isn’t it Jill? — Purposeful is the perfect “P.” I feel the same way, I don’t want to wonder “what if.” I’m in the midst of making some hard decisions now, in order to be purposeful with my time. I know, for me, when that gets out of balance, I am a mess! Great thoughts today, friend; thank you for sharing. xoxo
Thanks Brenda, praying for your decisions and your time my friend. Thanks for your encouragement and hope we can both stay purposefully present!
Purposefully present is something I find myself working on continually. Usually I have a number of projects going on, when my kids get home from school I have to consciously turn my thoughts away from my project and be present with them. All too often I find myself still thinking about my project.
Yes it’s so tempting at times to get lost in multitasking or our own agenda, instead of opening our eyes to what God has given us in each moment. Praying purposeful presence happens more for all of us today! Thanks!
Being present was very important to me when friends merely sat beside me during illness. I love that Jesus does that. He abides. I got the image of my mother, who could do nothing about my measles, just sat beside me and listened to my random stories.
Even when there is nothing to do in a situation, being present in someone’s life can speak volumes. Thanks for this lesson!
Love abiding. Yes, being present matters and is powerful, thanks for this image and reminder, April!
*Sigh* I can always use this reminder. Over and over. Day after day. I start out strong, and then I get so distracted. That being said, I will definitely try again tomorrow. #HeartEncouragement
Yes, let’s keep trying to be purposeful in our presence, day in and day out. Thanks Brittany!