Living in the Present Moment

focusing on what is happening now,

acknowledging my racing thoughts and strong emotions,

and noticing those around me

are my greatest challenges.

The fierce and gentle winds of distraction,

along with clouds of worries about the past or future,

shift my focus away from the present,

pulling me back either into the past

or forward into the future.

Once I lose my footing,

I find it hard to listen deeply,

which hampers my awareness

and ability to respond to others. Like a coconut tree in the wind,

I sway back and forth,

unable to settle in the Centre.

However, God resides in the centre – in the moment.

God is present

in the person with me,

in humanity’s struggles and wounds,

in my thoughts and feelings,

in wounded, embodied souls,

in the proclamation of God’s word,

in the cry for justice,

in the tragedies of wars,

in grief’s pool,

in the rising and setting sun,

and in humanity’s longing for a safe harbour.

Responding to the God of the present

requires staying centred in the moment,

for that is where I encounter the incarnate God-

in the NOW.

Living in the present moment,
focusing on what is happening now,
acknowledging my racing thoughts and strong emotions,
and noticing those around me
are my greatest challenges.

The fierce and gentle winds of distraction,
along with clouds of worries about the past or future,
shift my focus away from the present,
pulling me back either into the past
or forward into the future.

Once I lose my footing,
I find it hard to listen deeply,
which hampers my awareness
and ability to respond to others. Like a coconut tree in the wind,
I sway back and forth,
unable to settle in the Centre.

However, God resides in the centre – in the moment.
God is present
in the person with me,
in humanity’s struggles and wounds,
in my thoughts and feelings,
in wounded, embodied souls,
in the proclamation of God's word,
in the cry for justice,
in the tragedies of wars,
in grief's pool,
in the rising and setting sun,
and in humanity's longing for a safe harbour.

Responding to the God of the present
requires staying centred in the moment,
for that is where I encounter the incarnate God-
in the NOW.