HomeWord - Sept. 28, 2010

Living in the Present 

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Suddenly, Jesus himself came along and joined them and began walking with them. —Luke 24:15

Sherri reluctantly prepared to leave her office at the end of the day. She still had so much to do. She opened the top drawer of her desk and stuffed in all the work still undone. It would have to wait until tomorrow. She locked the drawer and pointed to it, "Stay" she said aloud and headed out the door.

Randy left work, drove home and parked his car in the garage. He took a moment to rub his temples in effort to ease his tension headache. He looked up and read the sign he had put on the wall of the garage as a reminder: Be at home.

Bill stood at his own front door after arriving home from work. He loved his family. He loved being home - but the pressures and demands of work are always in the back of his mind. He rang the doorbell and smiled because he knew his family was near - just behind the door.

Too often we get stuck in the past or get preoccupied by the future. We become overwhelmed by a busy day, or we worry about something happening tomorrow. Sherri, Randy, and Bill realized that they would go home and be with their families, but they would struggle to be present. Their minds were somewhere else. Instead of enjoying where they were, they were focused on past or the future. But, rather than giving in, they reminded themselves of the examples Jesus set as a person who lived in the present.

Jesus stopped and talked with the woman at the well. Jesus allowed himself to be interrupted by those needing healing. Jesus ate dinner in the homes of sinners. Jesus provided food for a hungry crowd. Jesus walked with his disciples, listened to their questions, and met their needs.

Jesus is the perfect example of one who is always completely present whomever he was with. Today, as you go through your day, remember the example Jesus set for investing in relationship; for living in the present. The best way to live in the present is to learn from the past and be prepared for the future. Don't miss out on opportunities with loved ones because you are too busy planning or won't take a timeout from other tasks and responsibilities.

GOING DEEPER: 

1. What are some of the areas of your life that keep you from living in the present?
2. How can you make sure you are living in the present?

FURTHER READING: 
Matthew 14:13-21; Luke 10:38-42; John 4:1-26