The Right-Now

I’m watching a Reds game right now.

I’m also missing my babies right now (they’re spending the night at their grandparents’ house).

I’m making a mental list of things to add to tomorrow’s to-do list right now.

I’m writing a blog post right now.

Lots of things going on right now. But that’s nothing compared to a rapid succession of “right nows” over the past 4 weeks.

Man, what a roller coaster.

Some days were cry-fests. Some were filled with anxiety. There were a few tinged with fear…and yes, even at moments, anger. There was a lot of laughter at memories, and there was a lot of love. Each day brought something new. Goodness, each hour brought something new.

Perhaps today’s technology and cinematography have trained my weak brain, but a slide show of pictures have played in my head (complete with music!) with memories from the past nearly-14-years. As we sat in worship services Sunday morning, I was nearly overcome with all the “right nows” I’d experienced over those years.

I had to sit still and try to focus on them. Those pictures, those songs, those faces…those feelings.

Do you know how hard it is for me to sit still? Yes, if you’ve read more than one of these blog posts, you know I don’t do that very well. I just can’t sit still. Even in my “right now” right now, I’m doing more than one thing. And my kids aren’t even here!

But the Bible tells me I should. I should sit still and soak up some more “right nows.” I should recognize God more often.

Be still, and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! — Psalm 46:10

A friend of mine had that as her status update on Facebook the other day.  She must have known I needed to be reminded…I’ve sang the words and quoted the words, but do I practice them?

I can answer that simply. 

No.

God gave us direction to be still.  When we’re still we are able to worship him.  When we’re still, we’re able to focus.  He will come into sharper focus for us, and we will exalt Him!

There are so many things that distract us during a “normal” day, much less a time of transition.  I have worn myself out lately with activity, effort, worry, tension, sadness, loss, excitement, regret, confusion…well, you name it, I’m sure I’ve done it.  But how often have I been still?  Not often.

Sunday was our last day at FBC.  It’s time for us to move on.  We’re sad, but we’re consoled by the knowledge that God has more service to Him in store for us.  What’s next?  Well, I’m not sure what all He has planned, but I’m sure we need to be open to all the possibilities.  We’ve taken some big steps, but we know God is in this, and because of that, it’s hard to say what all we may be doing by this time next year.

But I know for sure that I need to “be still” more often.  If I am, I know I will hear His voice more often.  And what possibly could be better than that?