In The Moment

Oct 20, 2021

“Most humans are never fully present in the now, because unconsciously they believe that the next moment must be more important than this one. But then you miss your whole life, which is never not now.”

- Eckhart Tolle

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

- Jesus, Matthew 6:34

Every other Friday, Pam and I have the privilege and joy of watching our 21-month-old grandson, Emery, for the day. When Pam goes to their home to pick him up, he does not want to leave Dada. He is content right where he is and sees no reason to leave. It is a long, arduous process coaxing him into our vehicle to bring him to our home, often including the promise that Elmo will be on the television screen when he arrives. I get it set up so that when Emery walks through the door, he sees and hears Elmo, and all is good.

We always have a great day together, playing with cars, musical instruments, and the plastic ball, both indoors and out, stopping from time to time to watch the Sesame Street characters sing songs that are ultra-familiar to him. He eats lunch, takes a nap, and we play a little longer before it is time to take him home.

During our most recent time together, Mimi (Pam) asked Emery, “Are you ready to go for a ride?”

“No,” replied Emery.

“Do you want to go home and see Dada?” Pam asks.

“No,” says Emery.

“Do you want to see Mama?” asks Pam.

“No!” exclaims Emery.

(Please don’t tell them this is happening!!!)

Emery is completely content right where he is and sees no reason for that to change.

He reminds me of the value of being in the moment. While at home, he was content to be in the moment. Upon arrival at our home, he was, once again, content to be in the moment.

Unfortunately, that is not the way it often works for me.

I can be in a conversation only to be thinking about the next task or meeting.
I can be one place, only to be thinking about the next place I need to be.
I can find myself in the middle of one day, only to be thinking about what needs to be done tomorrow.

Several years ago, as our team prepared to travel as missionaries to the squatter camps of Johannesburg, South Africa, Pastor Harry prayed that we would be “In the Spirit and in the Moment.” It became our mantra, not only for that trip, but for everyday life once we returned.

I only wish I could say I was successful at it, but that would be an untruth. It was further brought to light when the South Africans shared with us, “Americans have watches; South Africans have time.” They have learned to be in the moment, where nothing else matters except what is going on right then, and like Emery, being content with where they are.

German-Canadian Spiritual Teacher, Eckhart Tolle, whom I quoted earlier, also stated,

“Don’t wait to be successful at some future point. Have a successful relationship with the present moment and be fully present in whatever you are doing. That is success.”

I invite you to join me as we work on being “In the Spirit and in the Moment,” embracing right where we are and being content with whatever we are doing.