I’ve never really known how to live in the moment.
I’m definitely considered a forward-thinker. I’m always thinking about what is next, whether it’s a chore on my to-do list, a new goal that I would like to achieve, or a new hobby to throw myself into. When I found out I was pregnant, I started counting through the weeks, figuring out what incremental projects needed to be accomplished, and I planned, planned, planned. When I met with my coach at Profile by Sanford and told her that I was expecting, she set a new goal for me, one I’ve struggled to put in practice before—be mindful every day.
At first, I thought this was a waste of time (literally). I had so much to do! Who has the time to just slow down and be mindful in the present??! Then I challenged myself and put this goal as a line item on my task list, as I normally would do with any other daily chore. It is amazing to think that a little step of obedience like this would make any real tangible difference in my daily practice. It did. Wow— what an amazing skill I’ve been missing out on by making myself too busy. When you actually slow down to focus on the moment, to thank God for the little things, to pay attention to the blessings happening all around you, it creates an entirely new attitude of gratitude. Every little kick (or big kicks now), every hiccup, every time this baby growing inside of me gets his foot stuck in my ribs (ouch) is such an incredible gift.
Do you know what else being mindful does? It builds trust in God. When you start paying attention to all the little moments, thanking Him for being so good to you, you realize how God is present with you in every single moment of every single day. He never leaves you. He cares about the big things, and He perhaps cares even more about the little things. When you begin to see God through this lens, you see how faithful He truly is.
When times are in constant flux, when there is chaos happening from every angle, when it feels like you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, those are the times when you truly reap the blessing of being present in the moment. The practice allows you to remember God’s kindness and faithfulness towards you, and it gives you the strength to push through life’s not-so-good moments.
Isn’t it amazing how something so little and simple can make such a massive change in your life?! I’m so thankful for this gift and new skillset! I hope that it blesses you today too. Let me know what blessing you’ve discovered today!
Kristen James
Morning Show Host, Star 99.1
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Another home run, KJ! A great reminder to slow down and be Thankful to God in all circumstances!
Thanks Jim!! So true – in every circumstance!!
Well said Kristen!!
Thank you Dominick!
Thank you for the reminder. We don’t always stay in the moment. Love listening to you in the AM.
Thanks so much for listening Christine!!
Kristen!✔️😊 in the name of Jesus, amen ! I have been going through the same exact thing and I’ve actually been saying to myself” nope live in the moment, don’t think about tomorrow!” This was so great to read, thank you 😊 💖 you are always soooo enlightening!
Oh I love that Paige! I’m going to quote that to myself now too! Thank you for that!
Amen. I’ve been struggling with thinking too much about the future and not appreciating the gift of today
Kristen, Thank you! As the song goes … A baby changes everything!!! (wink!)
You’re so right Barbara!!
Thank you so much for this Kristin! We rush through life with our list of to-dos that we forget that the present is important. If we are constantly rushing and thinking of what is ahead, we never do have a “present” because when it gets there, we’re already past it! Lots of luck and happiness with your new baby. Enjoy the process (baby kicks and all)!
You are spot on Marilyn! So right! Thank you so much <3
This encourages me a lot because I’ve been going through the same. I find myself thinking about what I ‘m going to do, days before and not focusing on today. Even our Lord Jesus said in Matt 6:34 that we should not worry about tomorrow. I have been reminding myself recently, with this passage of scripture, not to think ahead. Thanks for sharing. I will use this message as a reminder to live in the moment.
Exactly Jacqueline! Let’s not worry about tomorrow together!