Right now, most of us are living in a season of busyness. I came home from college for break and left two days later to begin visiting all of the people I wanted to see over break. I still have presents to buy and wrap and holiday gatherings to attend. You may be feeling this also. Maybe you have food to prepare, a house to clean, or errands to run. I love this season and all of the opportunities to visit family and participate in traditions, but it can be exhausting.
One of my biggest challenges this holiday season has been taking advantage of every moment I have. I find that it is often so hard to be present in the current moment and season. I find myself spending time with my family while having my mind wander to other places. I’m physically present, but I’m not there mentally. I am focusing on things I wish I could have gotten done or tasks that I still need to do. While I’m sure everyone experiences this at some point, I’ve noticed that my wandering thoughts have begun to take over.
The other day I heard a quiet voice inside of me ask, “What are you going to gain by worrying?” This question is very similar to Matthew 6:27. The New Living Translation says, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” I realized that the more time I spent focusing on other things, the more time I was wasting. Not only could I not control the past or the future, but I was also not able to appreciate the present moment.
I decided I need to be more appreciative of the present. I began thanking God for all of the little things I have already experienced throughout this season. I began to see all of my commitments as opportunities, rather than a long list of obligations. I thanked God for the opportunity to be spending the majority of this break in Kentucky, living with my grandparents. I thanked Him for such great friends and the ability to travel to see them, even if it means several hours in the car. I thanked Him for a close-knit family and fun traditions. I continued to thank Him throughout the festivities. I know that as the season continues, I will be much more joyful and engaged in the present moment if I thank God for that moment.
Even in this Advent season, I am trying to be present. This year, I have heard through many teachings and conversations the importance of waiting. Waiting doesn’t mean you don’t hope, but it does mean you keep living. You keep being faithful and obedient. You keep loving others. You look forward to the future, but you do not allow it to consume your present.
I know that Christmas is very near, but I hope that in these last few days of Christmas you can still have an attitude of anticipation. Hope for the future, but remember to continue to live faithfully as you wait. Appreciate the season of waiting, rather than trying to jump ahead to the next one. Jesus is the hope that allowed people to live well as they awaited His birth, and He is the same hope that allows us to live well as we await His return.
Live well by being present in the moment you are in. Serve where you can. Love who you can. Enjoy what you can. Especially in this holiday season, I am going to work on being fully engaged where I am. I still have a ways to go, but I know that there is no guaranteed time in life and I want to embrace each moment and season fully. I hope that you take the time to appreciate your loved ones and the time you have with them. I hope you remember to thank God for the little things (and the big things). Most importantly, I hope that your Christmas season is filled with true peace and joy that can only come through the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
