The Time is Now

The time is now. This saying can apply to most anything, but in thinking about how to #BePresent, it’s incredibly accurate. Our moments are measured by God. We only have so many, so let’s make the most of them now.

Thus far in our Lenten series of how to #BePresent, we’ve covered being Purposeful, in Real life, with our Eyes open to all that is around us. Being present has its own inherent Stress at times but it’s still important to make Every moment matter knowing God is Near. King Solomon, gifted with wisdom from God, tells us of the seasons of life in Ecclesiastes 3:1

 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

He reminds us everything happens in its own timing. To wrap up our series, let’s look at how to #BePresent now, in this time. T=Time.

I’m a clock watcher, I like to know what time it is, enjoy being on time and hate being late. But too often I get caught up in plans, to-do lists, or what someone else may think is important and lose sight of the bigger picture. Missing the forest for the trees as they say. Which is why I love this Jimmy Buffet song describing a watch which always reads ‘now’ and if it bothers us we can just bow our heads and breathe in, breathe out, move on.  Indeed.

Being present isn’t always easy. Yet if we want to live how God calls us, sometimes we need to wait, walk alongside or persevere through difficult times. We all have these moments and have different ways of being present in them. Some may defer, deflect, or push away being present in these moments. However, this can cause us to miss some of the most important moments of this time of our lives or what God is showing us in them.

For Christmas, I received a new camera and one morning was able to capture the beauty of the sunrise by clicking quickly. I was happy to be present enough to notice it since many times before, I’ve looked away, trying to find my camera and missed the moment. In less than two minutes, the beauty I beheld was gone. Just as the sun will rise whether or not anyone is witness to its glory, our lives will move on whether we choose to be present in them or not.

Time waits for no one.

This time, this moment will never be here again. So, I’m still seeking to answer the question-“am I present, am I spending my moments well?” Digging into the nuances of how to #BePresent has helped me realize my answer is “not always.”

Things we do, the way we spend our time needs to adapt as we change and time moves on. What was important years or even moments ago may not be important now. However, the one thing I know and always want to be important is following God’s will for my life and helping those around me to do the same.

My current season in the ‘sandwich generation’ can be trying and wonderful, often at the very same moment! It’s a roller coaster of emotions at times. My attempts at being purposefully present are evolving, but I know I can do better. I don’t want to blink and miss a sunrise or my life as the band Revive reminds us in their song. Blink.  So even though this Lenten series is coming to an end, I’ll still be seeking to #BePresent.

I pray this series encouraged and inspired us all to make the most of our moments in a purposeful way, in real life, with eyes open and even when stressful. Let’s be present in every moment knowing in them all, God is near. The time is now. It’s time to be present.

In writing this series, it’s increasingly evident my desire to be present and follow God’s will at this time includes a break from this blog. It’s been a draining season of life lately and it’s time to press pause and be present in my life and with loved ones. I hope to be writing here again soon, but for now, it’s time to #BePresent elsewhere.

I encourage you to pray and seek God’s direction for where, with whom, and how you can #BePresent today and in every time of your life. I’ll be praying for all of us and for God’s blessings upon you as we all seek to Follow His Footprints.

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10 thoughts on “The Time is Now”

  1. I really enjoyed this blog. It is also something I have been working on the last couple of years. I think it is the “Autumn” of my life. Enjoy your break with family and with Him who has laid out your path for you. Love to you.

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    • Thanks so much, Tammy. We are all moving toward autumn! Thanks again my friend and love to you as well as you follow His footprints.

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  2. Things we do, the way we spend our time needs to adapt as we change and time moves on. Flexible is the number one thing a missionary learns living overseas. There was not a day that went by when we lived in Papua New Guinea that I didn’t have to flex a little over something. Great post.

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    • Thanks Betty-I can imagine the missionary life calls one to be flexible in so many ways! Thanks for your thoughts and encouragement!

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  3. Thanks for reminding us of this common sense wisdom. We really do need to rely on God to help us determine the best way to invest our time in each season. I’m remembering NOW is the time to take advantage of being with my daughter. She leaves for college in August!

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    • Yes we do need to rely on God for all things, including how we spend our time. Cherish your moments with your daughter! Thanks as always for stopping by Betsy!

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  4. You’re doing such a good job of being present this year, Jill. I can sense it in the words you write, that they’re not just fluffy words for the sake of content, but words that are led by power. I so appreciate the authenticity in that. Continued prayers for you as you’re in the midst of your “sandwich” life. I know you’ll not regret a single moment of showing up and being present in these fleeting days. — Missing you in our leader’s group, friend. Hopefully our paths will cross in-real-life again one of these days soon. Thank you for being the blessing you are. xoxoxo

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    • Thank you Brenda-I miss you all too and while it’s bittersweet to step away from some things to make room for others, I’m praying for God’s guidance in every step. Thanks for your unwavering support and I hope our ‘real life’ paths will cross again soon, too!

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      • As you see, I’m well aware of that bittersweet path, myself. Walking away from one thing to step into another has to be the way of #presence though, doesn’t it? I think it reminds us that it’s not about us, and that we’re not God & we can’t do it all. So thankful for His guidance and the courage to step away in order to first #bepresent with Him. — Thank you so much for the sweet comment you left for me at #ChasingCommunity yesterday. Friend, you continue to bless my heart. I hope you know what a gift you are. Thank you! I’ll still be writing in that space, so please pop by as you’re able, and I’ll do the same. Thankful for you, friend. xoxo

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        • Yes, Brenda, His presence is all we need and seeking Him for future steps is never wasted. I pray this time with Him will lead you on the next portion of His path for you. I so love reading your words and look forward to where He takes you. Blessings as you follow!

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