There’s much talk these days about ‘living in the moment’, mindfulness, and practicing the presence of God. It makes sense these are popular practices given the fast-food, fast-foward lifestyles we live in western culture. Gosh, don’t we need more pauses.
In projecting ahead into the future, or living in the past, we miss the moments I consider ‘altars for thanksgiving’, basking in the glory of life we’re so freely given by a gracious God. In a Christian sense, we discover being in the moment offers so much more than mere presence. By abiding in God, we immerse ourselves in omnipotence, in the wonders of mystery, in possibilities beyond our wildest imagination, in a love greater than we can fathom. In this way moments become spectacular.
I once lived in a small anarchist town of Bolinas, California, an artistic community nestled off Route 1 north of San Francisco on the coast. A local schizophrenic woman would meander through the tiny downtown wearing real fruit tied on string hanging from her hat. I’d watch her in awe, noting how content she seemed with her colorful hat darning bananas, apples and cherries.
She made me think of the fruitfulness reaped when we abide in God through prayer, community and reading scripture and sacred writings. Through such practices we become like branches on a vine robust with fruit. Both nature and scripture tell us a good tree bears much fruit, just as dwelling in God produces The fruit of the spirit -“love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Abiding in God is the state of mystical awareness, of being receptacles of God’s gifts, of being purified and sanctified each and every breathing moment, where free from worry, coveting, plotting, planning and striving in systems and habits that cripple our souls, we find pure peace in divine moments of God’s unfolding will.
Jesus said, Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me.
Being branches on the vine, we drink of Christ’s very nature, for in him we live and move and exist; as also some of the poets amongst you have said, for we are also his offspring. – Acts 17:18
May the wonder of God’s moments fill our life and open wide our hearts to the gifts we’re given with each breath.
WE LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!
We are his offspring…. That phrase from scripture is a powerful reminder for me today that we really are a part of His love, and important to stay connected. When I am in community of non – believers I start to feel less connected to the vine. Yet, am always connected to the source that produces the good fruit. Lovely words today. May you be present is all His beauty of endless moments.
I love how this one verse stands out, it’s a powerful statement! Community is key to being reminded always we ar children of God first!
“Abiding in God is the state of mystical awareness, of being receptacles of God’s gifts, of being purified and sanctified each and every breathing moment, where free from worry, coveting, plotting, planning and striving in systems and habits that cripple our souls, we find pure peace in divine moments of God’s unfolding will.”
These words moved me deeply and met me exactly where I was at. Oh, the wonder of the rhythm of God’s grace to meet the longing of my heart and to speak so beautifully into it.
Thank you, Kathy. You have a gift.
So appreciate your words Diane, and so blessed to know this spoke deeply to you!
It is so hard to slow down and appreciate those moments, but I enjoy life so much more when I do. Thank you for this reminder!
The more I notice when I worry or feel unsettled, I know I’ve gone astray! We all help remind one another! Blessings Lauren, thanks for visiting!
So much easier said than done, but it’s something I strive for. Although maybe I need to stop striving and simply rest in the presence of Jesus that lives in me already.
I agree Ivanna, I find even writing about it reminds me of where I need to be. It is not easy, yet we’re given the gift of returning each and every moment!
This:
In projecting ahead into the future, or living in the past, we miss the moments I consider ‘altars for thanksgiving’, basking in the glory of life we’re so freely given by a gracious God. In a Christian sense, we discover being in the moment offers so much more than mere presence. By abiding in God, we immerse ourselves omnipotence, in the wonders of mystery, in possibilities beyond our wildest imagination, in a love greater than we can fathom. In this way moments become spectacular.
is what I’m focusing on. This is what I want to drink in. This is what I want to remember. Your post was full of poetry and insight, as always.
Love you are focusing on drinking in the moments of God’s grace..always love having you visit and appreciate your encouragement! Youur blog delights, as well!
-> “altars for thanksgiving” I love this so much, Kathy!!
Thank you for reminding me to pause and truly, deep down inside, observe the splendor of God’s love in a world that somehow rushes through the whirlwind days of going and doing. #guilty
As always, I’m inspired to breathe in the presence of God and embrace the reverence and magnitude of His Glory in THIS moment. Now.
So glad we can be reminders for one another..I’ll be visiting you soon. You’ve been on my mind!
Ahhhh yes……those moments of quiet contemplation so precious and remind us that we are all one with each other, nature and God. Contemplative practice is the only way we will transform and transcend and follow Christ’s path……which requires much faith and courage.
We remind one another the imporatnce of quiet contemplation and you are so right it requires much faith and courage!