Today is Spiritual Journey Thursday, a day to spend some time turning toward God. Please feel free to join me on this journey each Thursday with Holly Mueller and friends. For the next several weeks, Holly will be featuring the spiritual aspects of our one little words. This week we are writing about Margaret's word, present.
Last week Holly mentioned on her post how "there was never a time when I can't remember believing there was a God." I am the same way. Each week we would recite the Nicene Creed at Mass:
I believe in One God, the Father almighty...
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ...
I believe in the Holy Spirit...
I have always believed, but how often do I acknowledge His presence?
I know the answer.
My first response would be during the "big life" times, those times of trouble or times of need. Sometimes it is in those times of great joy. Many times I have looked back and I have noticed His presence, but it is usually in hindsight ~ not in the present. For me, believing in God and acknowledging His presence can be separated by a wide distance.
How often do I acknowledge His presence in my every day? Those mundane times when we are just going through the motions of another day. Those times of daily chores such as washing dishes, preparing meals, or doing laundry.
I know the answer.
I live in a world of distractions and obligations. I do not want to turn these into excuses. I know I must not allow this world to separate me from God's presence. I know I need to turn toward him more than what I do now. That was the purpose of this blog. But have I honestly taken the time to be truly present?
I know the answer.
I recently found a new blog, While I Ponder, by Karlene Arthur. She wrote a post on three ways to maintain devotion time. She lists:
1. Choose devotion resources you LOVE.
2. Find a routine that works for YOU.
3. Relax and be kind to yourself.
All three of these steps are tightly wrapped in being present. I know it is time for me to look at and to reorder my priorities. It is time for me to shorten that gap between believing and acknowledging.
I know many of us in the original group have referred to this verse many times, and it is a constant reminder of what I need to do:
"Be still, and know that I am God." ~Psalm 46:10
I hope all of us find time in the coming weeks to be still and be present. I think He has something important to say if we just listen. How will you be in His presence this week?
Thank you, Leigh. First, I'm SO honored you'd include my humble post thoughts in your own. Second, this post you've written has spoken to me in a very real way...my OneWord for 2016 is "Believe"...and I lost count of how many times you used that word in this post. God is so good. I am encouraged and blessed that He has allowed us to connect.
ReplyDeleteThank you for much for your honesty! I hear ya! I share the same struggle...Have you read "He and I"? That book made a difference in my trying to recognize God's Presence, His Kindness in my daily life. Here's a little background on the woman whose diary the book is, as well as a couple of excerpts. http://www.mysticsofthechurch.com/2009/11/gabrielle-bossis-he-and-i.html For a while after I first read the book, I made a determined effort to identify the Lord's work in my life each day...Thank you for reminding me that I need to reread that book. The Lord does so many little (and big) things for us each day; according to the diary, He waits for us to recognize--to say, It is He! ...God bless you! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteThose three ways to maintain devotion are helpful. I like the form of this piece with the repeated line. We know what to do to be present. Just. Do. It. Be Still and Know. Thanks for writing today.
ReplyDeleteYou took the words right out of my mouth. Be still and be present - an ongoing challenge. How will I be in His presence this week? A good question for me to ponder.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Leigh Anne-living in a world of distractions and obligations but wanting to turn to God. Being present makes us more aware of the stillness and the connection with the Lord. Last year's word served you well.
ReplyDeleteI like that last piece of advice: "Relax and be kind to yourself." As I do that, I not only enter into the present but enjoy it too.
ReplyDeleteBeing present involves attention and love. I think that is the most important thing I have learned from reading blog posts today. I want to be present in the lives of my family. I want to be in the presence of Christ daily. Thank you.
ReplyDelete"For me, believing in God and acknowledging His presence can be separated by a wide distance." For me, too! Being present in His presence and acknowledging His goodness and grace is not easy every day, all day. Thank you for your honesty and your reminder to make sure our priorities are in the right order!
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