Why is it so easy to focus on what isn’t?
To fix my eyes on what is lacking in the now, failing to see what is really before me?
I easily notice the mess of toys on the floor, and I’m irritated. And internally I escalate. I just cleaned that area and hour ago!
And I am quick to want to whisk away the mess … and with it, all that the mess represents.
Why can’t I get my heart to see the memories just made with those toys left behind?
Why can’t my mind recall how they played and loudly laughed?
Why can’t I remember how they tackled and teased one another–how they lived in the now?
And then there’s me, living in the past or desiring the future, stuck on tasks and longing for neatness and order. Me, always wishing the messes away–wishing they were gone in exchange for the neat and the tidy.
And I fail again and again, as I refuse to see how the mess on the floor represents so much more than just a simple mess.
Because that mess made memories.
That mess built relationships.
That mess is the remnant of little lives lived fully in the now.
And if I had my perfectionistic way, and the floor was meticulously clean most of the time, it would mean the kids were gone. Yes, there would be no mess, but there would also be no play or laughter, no teasing or tackling, and no new memories made.
Surely if I would just stop in these moments, breathe in deep, and see the gifts in the mess–really search for them … wouldn’t that change everything?
Wouldn’t it be so different if when I saw the mess, I gave thanks for what is, instead of wishing for what is not?
This time in life is challenging and draining–exhausting, that I know! But perhaps I’d have more joy if I would be present in the now and not long for the what-could-be … if I would choose to open my eyes to see the gifts, even in the messes.
Today, amidst our irritating and frustrating moments–the times when we escalate about things not being done our way, may we instead see the gifts in the mess–the gifts that have been there the whole time.
What is your biggest challenge in seeing the gifts?
How are you struggling with living in the now?
How can I pray for you?
Continuing on, in the counting of One Thousand Gifts {#1211-1225}with Ann and this community, and the Joy Dare of 2012 with a printable…
#1211 Refreshing rain and cooler weather
#1212 A sweet son turning six
#1213 Friday night dates and heart to heart connection
#1214 My struggle being a morning person and new chances every day…
#1215 Blog redesign possibilities
#1216 My Sisters in Bloom and the encouragement they bring
#1217 Becoming a vessel this week…thank you Jesus!
#1218 Pigtails, ponytails, and all things girly
#1219 A son maturing and growing before my eyes
#1220 Good Morning Girls, and their emails of hope and encouragement
#1221 My new Starbucks, one mile away
#1222 Messes on the floor
#1223 A seamless transition between jobs
#1224 The anticipation of vacation
#1225 The companionship of my Savior in every moment of every day…
Thank you Jacque! I was just thinking the same thing today, as I was cleaning one mess today another was being made faster than I could keep up with. I so wanted to lose it! That was just the reminder I needed to savor these moments of my sweet little people.
You’re welcome. So glad it was helpful. I know I wrote this one for myself, me needing to hear it daily, if not hourly!! Praying your moments were sweet 🙂
Giving thanks for the messes in our lives ~ I’m with ya’.
Glad to have your company!!
Thanks a billion! My biggest challenge in not always seeing the gifts is my selfish fast paced lifestyle…I need to live a more peaceful life and selflessly go about things. I am struggling with living in the now because I sometimes catch myself focusing to much on the future. I am a new Mother, and a wife to my Husband of 3 years, 21 and have never graduated high school. I would like to go into nursing of some kind, like yourself. But I almost feel it’s too late…and I get discouraged because of that past…and frustrated at times with the present because I feel like it is interfering with my future goals…it’s all silly I know, I should be more grateful and I am blessed in the now and I have no reason to complain…but sometimes it’s hard to see those gifts. Thanks for reminding me that “everyday is a gift from God, that’s why we call it the present” 🙂
-Tina at http://lovesherlord.blogspot.com/