UNPACK This...Being PresentSample

Living in the Moment

The NFL Draft is undoubtedly a huge deal, but I’m always amazed to see how soon big media outlets begin focusing on the event.

Almost every season, websites begin posting their mock drafts when there are still numerous games left to go in the regular season.

Even though some NFL teams have no hope for the playoffs, shouldn’t fans be focusing on the games they’re going to see down the stretch instead of focusing on something that will take place months down the road? There will be plenty of time to enjoy mock drafts once the season is over.

Ultimately, the media’s approach isn’t much different from our mindsets when we think about what is coming up instead of what we're doing in the here and now.

While experiencing all of our activities, we can start to wonder what we’re doing afterward, what game is on next, who is coming over tomorrow, or how we’re going to get there on time.

But, when we get so caught up in all of the possibilities our schedules have to offer, we can easily forget to enjoy living in the moment.

I confess that in my own life, I am often so consumed with fitting in as much as possible that I miss out on embracing the actual experiences I worked so hard to schedule.

However, when we soak in the present, we are more apt to see the good in others or pick up on the pain they may be going through, so we can be an encouragement.

When we’re alert and aware of the present, we can sense God’s presence. He can even teach us something meaningful through the people we interact with.

Today, let’s truly experience His love all around us and remember the words of Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that You give me the strength to be present every moment so that I can enjoy sweet fellowship with You. I pray that I'll enjoy the moments of celebration and cherish the memories along the way. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.