What is it about life which causes us to look ahead? We look forward to the change of seasons, school starting, school ending, vacations, and then getting back into the routine. We long for Thanksgiving, Christmas, food, and parties, and then we look forward to losing weight and getting back in shape. But instead of looking ahead, what if we slowed down this Christmas season and started fully living in the present moment with the goal of it being holy?
Holy moments are most often associated with saints, the bible, and any moment we are not a part of. However, I want you to consider the divine is present and openly hidden in ordinary situations. Either we discover how to see God in the everyday life of the ordinary, or we risk not seeing holiness anywhere. It is in our everyday moments holiness occurs. 1 Peter 1:13-16 states: Therefore, once you have your minds ready for action and are thinking clearly, place your hope entirely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. Don’t be conformed to your former desires, those that shaped you when you were ignorant. But, as obedient children, you must be holy in every aspect of your lives, just as the one who called you is holy. It is written, You will be holy because I am holy. (CEB)
Our goal should be for each moment of every day to be so focused on God and living out the fruits of the spirit that each moment becomes holier than the last. It is moment upon moment a sacred life is built. When we are living from holy moment to holy moment, we cannot help but influence those around us. This is what we are to be about. God chose us to be exactly where we are to transform the world at this point in history.
We often mark our spiritual journey with the big moments: salvation, baptism, births, deaths, and leaps in spiritual understanding. We mistakenly believe these big moments are the only ones in which we can grow closer to God. Our relationship with God is so much more than the big moments. It is when we focus on God in the ordinary everyday moments our lives are transformed.
With this in mind, I want us to pause, to stop looking forward and look to and live in the now. We are more than our big moments. We are more than the rushing and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
So, what do you need to change to slow down and live moment by moment?
Maybe this question has a long list as an answer, or perhaps you need to lay this question at God’s feet and sit with Him in silence to learn the answer. The pondering of the question and the action must be taken should not be considered trite. Finding God in the ordinary everyday moments will change your life.
Below is a list of possible ways for you to consider how to live in the moment:
Practice meditation. Stopping for ten minutes daily to meditate will help you clear your thought patterns. You can focus on a bible verse, one of the fruits of the spirit, or use a guided meditation app.
Do right-brain activities. Right-brain activities calm the mind and slow us down. These are things such as reading, writing, drawing, painting, gardening, and so on. You can Google other examples if none of the above calls out to you.
Go on nature walks. This is not how fast I can go to get in as many steps as possible; it is simply taking leisurely strolls and keenly observing nature and its joys.
Practice being intentionally kind. When actively looking for ways to do good to others, you cannot ruminate on what is coming next.
Practice mindfulness. Create a gratitude list each day. Single-tasking instead of multi-tasking. Eat mindfully (slow down and savor your food instead of rushing through a meal)—breathing exercises.
Once again, what do you need to do differently to make a change and live fully present? Follow through on this question. Get an answer, and then do it. See how your life transforms as you live into each present holy moment.