Present
It is a coincidence that present means what is does?
Here and now.
Not absent.
A gift.
My brain often flees the here and now.
Going back to the past -
sometimes with nostalgia,
mostly with regret.
Jumping forward into the future -
often led there by fear and worry,
accompanied by planning and her friend, overthinking,
occasionally with excited anticipation!
My brain, away from my body.
Away from here and now.
Not present in the present.
Distracted I miss what is -
the world around me,
the people in front of me,
the everyday gifts from heaven,
God’s whispers and invitations.
Not present in the present,
I miss the presents from God -
the gifts,
the blessings.
The presents that are present everyday.
The presents that blend into the background -
clean water from the tap,
a healthy body,
safety,
security.
And I miss the presents that are rare jewels
that sparkle when I’m present to them -
kind words of thanks and encouragement,
acts of generosity,
merciful protection.
Lord of the present (in all senses of the word) -
Help me be present in the here and now.
Help me be present to the world around me.
Help me be present to the gifts from above.
Help me be present to the present of your presence.