Living in the now can be challenging.  It is best to plan meals, organize your week, and have a system of keeping the house clean.  As my Aunt Polly would say, “Everything is up to date and highly satisfactory!”  This was an affirmation that she would say to customers when they would call in about their bank account.

Where is the balance?  God specifically says to forget what is behind you and to not worry about tomorrow. (Matthew 6:34 & Philippians 3:13).

I’m reading Start Today by M.H. Clark.

Today has a lot going for it:

It’s here, it’s now, and it’s already yours.

Today is the only day that comes with a guarantee…

So start here, start now. Start today.

Living in the now does not mean you ignore interruptions or live clueless about what’s next. Living in the now is accepting this day as it unfolds and seeing the miracle within the fact that you really don’t know what will happen! Don’t expect the winning lottery ticket, the phone call of you’ve got the job, or the cleaning fairy to show up while you are at work.  Living in the now is noticing, really seeing with your eyes and heart, what is before you and loving extravagantly.  Some situations may be easier than others to love. I find it easy to love the sound of birds singing in the morning, but the irritating voice of someone who makes you feel “sideways”, well, that’s living in the now.

Don’t get worked up.

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”  Matthew 6:34

Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you in your thoughts, words, and actions when the time comes.  Live in the now and try something bold or something small that will grow bigger with time.

STRETCH

Jesus healed a man with a withered hand. He healed him against the wishes and powerful influence of the religious people.  They saw the law, and Jesus saw the now–the person in need.  Jesus loved extravagantly in the now. (Matthew 12:9-14)

Jesus asked the man to participate in the miracle. “Stretch out your hand!” Once the man obeyed Jesus’ command, “he was restored to normal”.

Do you want restoration? Peace?

• Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now.
• Start small. Stretch a little and try something different.
• Don’t get worked up about things that may or may not happen.

What is your stretch?  Right now, hold your arm close to your chest. Slowly unravel your arm with your hand palm side up and open. Ask God to reveal himself to you in the now.