Here. Now.

“…for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” -Phil 4:11

Jesus always seems to lead me right where I need to go in the bible.  This morning, it was to the wise words of St. Paul in Philippians.  I am in a transition season of life. It is hard. Mainly, because I know what life looks like a few months ahead but I am not there yet.  And that means waiting…my least favorite thing.

Oh how Jesus knows exactly what I need. He is strengthening me through this waiting period. And it is such an answer to prayers…I ask Him everyday to help me attain the virtue of patience!  Yet here I am, still pouting at the fact that I have to wait a few months to move and start a new teaching job.

So as a came across Philippians 4:11 this morning, it struck my heart deeply.  I am constantly looking for the “next thing.” Whether it is a new ministry I want to get involved with, a trip that  I want to go on, or a new job, my mind is always searching for something new.  And this is dangerous. When we are constantly looking ahead, how can we possibly be receiving the graces God wants to pour out to us in the present moment?

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Yet our world loves to make us think that we always need to be striving for the “next best thing.”  I fall to this in so many ways. I am human, broken & weak. I set my eyes on earthly things and so quickly forget that the only important things come from above.

But it is okay. Because I have God and His mercy. I have His living word.  I have a relationship with Him in which I can pour my heart out, begging Him for patience, an ability to be present and content, and to have a heart that can receive His graces. Here. Now.

Thank you, Heavenly Father. I praise you for your unconditional love and mercy, even when I make the same mistakes over and over again. Help me be present today, in every moment and in every situation. 

Contently waiting,

Lily