It's All Good: 12 Devotions to Embrace Your NowSample

Fully Present in the Present

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity.
EPHESIANS 5:15–16 NLT

The quality of your thoughts and emotions in this moment determines the quality of your future. You've heard that a person is shaped by the books she reads and the friends she keeps, but what actually changes her are the thoughts and emotions they produce. What a person thinks and feels right now matters more than most realize. If you desire an enjoyable tomorrow, embrace great joy today. If you want a life you’re thankful for tomorrow, cultivate gratitude today. If you want love in your tomorrow, then feel and show love today.

Make your moments work for you by being fully present in them right now. Notice what’s around you to take in. Delight in sights, sounds, or stillness as they come. Scripture tells us that we are but a vapor and our time is fleeting. We are to be wise about our lives in order to make the most of them. Dread and regret destroy futures. Too often we wait until things are great, perfect, or resolved before allowing ourselves the permission to embrace life. This only postpones peace. Give yourself permission to be okay with being okay right now.

Look at your life the way a child looks at rock candy and you’ll be amazed at how your life begins to improve. Return your soul to that space of wonder that once came so naturally to you as a child. This will open a world of discovery. If whatever you’re focusing on costs you your presence or your wonder right now, it’s too expensive. Time is not refundable. You can’t replace it or exchange it.

My husband and I saw some friends on a gondola ride once in Alaska; they walked over to sit by us. We shared moments of photos and laughter. When we reached the top, they asked why we weren’t getting off. That’s when we explained we were only there for the ride. We wanted to experience the expansive views until our hearts had taken it all in, no matter how many times up and down the mountain that required. (We’ve done this on glass elevators too!)

It’s okay to redefine your journey. It’s yours. You don’t have to go from point A to point B and get off there just because everyone else does. You choose. Make fun moments for you. Give your heart a reason to smile. In fully feeling expansive emotions of love, peace, and wonder, you are embracing your now while also inviting a brighter tomorrow into your life.

Jesus, give me simple delights I can really soak in and enjoy. Help me embrace them as they come. Amen.