Like a lot of folks in my city, I lead a very busy life. Challenging work during the day. Taking care of the kids in the evening. Church, family, friends, and chores on the weekends. It seems like I’m always swamped.
I live with a lot of anxiety. I want to be the best at what I do. I want to excel in my work. To be a great husband and father. To earn the respect of my community. Ironically, I often let my desires for a joyous future crowd out those things that are most important now.
This summer, the Holy Spirit has been opening my eyes to just how important this present moment is. Life is here. Love. Everything I ever needed, beyond my wildest dreams. Right now. Reality is surprising, and God is faithful. Even when I don’t get my way.
Amid the transitions and stress of a fully engaged life, I’m hearing the call of the Spirit to abide. Abide in God’s love. Abide in this present moment that is fleeting. Abide in the truth: that most of the things I stress and strain about aren’t of lasting importance. Dwell in the reality that the day and hour of my death is known to God, and will someday be known to me.
Among the many teachings of Jesus is this incredible command: Do not be anxious. Do not worry about tomorrow. “”Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
This is good news for us. This is the gospel. As impossible as it sounds, there is rest for the weary. There is peace for the brokenhearted. There is hope for those who mourn.
This summer, hear the invitation: Christ’s call to slow down, to abide in the Spirit, to rest in God’s love. Give your full presence to this moment, and be taught how to love.