Friday, July 12, 2013

Five Minute Friday: Present

I've had the luxury this summer of having a lot of down time.  This feels like the first summer for a long time that this has happened.  Not having to take classes, not preparing for a new job, not getting married -- these things are what I've done the last 3 summers, so this summer it is very nice to have free time.
There have been many things I've wanted to do during this time away from school: work on my quilting stash, keep the garden better, go to a yarn shop and pull any yarn I want to and start a small project, start running again.  I've done better with some of these things than others, I must admit.  (But I actually *have* run!)
Yet, I have to keep watch on myself so that I stay present with what I AM doing, so that I don't get so caught up in what's coming up that I lose track of what I'm doing in the present moment.  Whether it's enjoying sewing on one of my quilt projects that have been tucked in my cupboard for however many years, or spending a fun day with my nieces, or working in the garden, it's hard for me to keep my mind from racing.  And can it ever race: from what else needs to be done, to what's coming up, to what happened the other day.....you get the picture.
But, with God's amazing grace, every once in a while, I do have the sense to just pause, and breathe in, and "check in" with myself, with Him, with what He's given me.  When I am able to be present, I'm able to appreciate greater the incredible blessings my God grants to me every day, and I'm able to share those blessings with others with a more cheerful heart and more willing spirit.  And everyone appreciates that!

14 comments:

  1. Oh what you say is so true! Pausing with God helps us "see" and be present in the sometimes even the little blessings around us...then you can't help but share those blessings. Hope you get to continue enjoying your summer.

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    1. Thanks Dionne! Of course, a big part is me being open to hearing God calling me to pause! :)
      Hope you enjoy your summer as well!

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    2. Can so relate with this, Amy! Love your blog - so inspirational. So glad you have this summer to write, rest, play and reflect!

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    3. Thank you Cathy! I appreciate your support!!
      Enjoy these summer days. Thanks for stopping by my blog!!

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    1. Thank you Denise! Glad this is something that resonates with you.
      Have a good weekend!

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  3. These words really resonate with me: "When I am able to be present, I'm able to appreciate greater the incredible blessings my God grants to me every day, and I'm able to share those blessings with others with a more cheerful heart and more willing spirit." I'm on the tail end of a teaching sabbatical and I hope my time of refreshment has made me more present and appreciative.

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    1. Oh my dear fellow teacher! These summers are precious times, aren't they?! I pray your sabbatical has given you the rest and rejuvenation you need to tackle the new school year with joy!
      Thanks so much for your thoughts and encouragement!

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  4. Visiting you from the Five Minute Friday! It's so important that we take the time to be still and breathe Him in! Blessings!

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    1. Glad you hopped over Barbie!! It's always a good reminder, isn't it, just to stop and spend time in His presence?!
      Praying your day is filled with joy.

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  5. So true, so true. So very true. Life slows down a bit when we live in the present. And when that happens, we see all we've been given.

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  6. finding moments to be present is definitely something I need to work on! thanks for the reminder!

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    1. I'm so glad this is something that touches you, Erika!
      Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for letting me know.
      Enjoy right now!

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