Scripture: Matthew 6:31-34
Therefore do not worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Thought for the Day: Today is officially Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, though we won’t be celebrating it until Monday. I think that’s to make three-day weekends easier. In reading this passage from Matthew, I was reminded of a short thought from President Lincoln. He said, “The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” Most people’s initial reaction to that thought is to say, “Duh!” There is no question he was stating the obvious, but often we need someone to say it because, despite its unquestionable truth, we don’t actually live by it. As Christians, we spend an inordinate amount of time talking about the future — specifically our heavenly future. Personally, I like pondering it now and then, but Jesus didn’t really spend much time referring to the afterlife. His concern was with the immediate moment and how those who believed in an afterlife would choose to live in the present life. Just recently, I have found myself a bit overwhelmed with my to-do list, yet if I become overly consumed by its length, it never gets any shorter. The anxiety is incredibly unproductive, so I need to make a choice — stop stressing over that project for next week, and instead, focus on this moment and what can be accomplished right now.
How do you deal with stress? Does a lengthy to-do list bring anxiety or excitement? Do you believe that intentional prayer and meditation could help you to live in the moment, and in doing so, make the following moments more productive because of the reduced anxiety?
I’m trying to do a better job…
Prayer: Let me be here with you, Lord, even if it is only for a few moments. Quiet my mind, relax my shoulders, and help me to be fully present to you… …Amen.
1 thought on “Ecclesiological Etchings: 02-12-14”
I intentionally schedule a short break at work each morning to walk outside, say a short prayer and briefly meditate on the beauty of the moment. I wish I had begun this practice years ago because it is now a very meaningful part of each day.