The Essence of Now
Kerry Richards of Stony Creek, Ontario, Canada
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect. -Romans 12:1-2
The essence of now is always present in our lives. “I have this moment and a choice of what I might do” is always an option before us. At times we revel in the productivity of the moment when we accomplish, excel, and achieve. Other times we feel like we wasted the moment. It got away from us. Then there are periods of intentional pause that feed our souls. What in those precious spaces of living are the markers of having lived?
We often feel remorse at the unproductive, less purposeful moments-as if windows of opportunity have closed before us. Then there are those who observe our lives and have their own parameters by which they judge us. Our inner standards, or those of others, are constants that chase us throughout our days. They impact our sense of worth and distract us from being present with the Holy as our minds are occupied by how we “shoulda,” “coulda,” or “woulda.” How do we escape this treadmill of evaluation of others’ perceptions, along with our own inner judgement?
Grace. It is grace that allows us to be at peace with ourselves despite multiple oversights that weigh on us. There are accountabilities in work or other areas of responsibility to which we must attend. However, we need some freedom in our lives to choose our use of time. Those times are touchpoints of grace, empowering and enabling us to sense our worth and offering a glimpse of what we can be as the Holy affirms and transforms us.
I have sensed the Spirit’s transformation when in vulnerability I open myself to living out the Mission Prayer. I listen, become present, reach within, and envision who I can be and what I can do as an instrument of the Spirit’s touch in another’s life. Grace leads us to see our worth.
We are a people in pursuit of peace. Our time is sacred, sacramental, transformational. Choose to be blessed in pursuits empowered and endowed with the grace of the Spirit.
Prayer Phrase
“… the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4).
Spiritual Practice
Breathing God’s Compassion
Pay attention to your breathing and let it become calmer and deeper as you focus on God’s presence. Ask God to breathe in you. Imagine each breath carrying the light of God into your lungs, bloodstream, and every cell in your body until God’s Spirit fills you. Now imagine breathing out God’s compassion and grace each time you exhale, especially into places and situations in need of loving care. Give thanks to the Spirit, source of every breath, source of life.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
