UNPACK This...Being PresentSample

On To The Next Tournament

In college basketball, it seems as though teams quickly blow past the conference tournaments.

Even though winning four games in four days and knocking off familiar league opponents is a huge deal, teams have little time to soak in their victories.

Instead, they hurriedly move on to the “Big Dance” and soon forget the important accomplishments of the conference championships.

Shouldn’t there be a little more time for celebration? Rather than shifting the attention so swiftly, shouldn’t there be some emphasis placed on these outstanding wins? Shouldn’t coaches allow their teams to pause and recognize what just happened before thinking about what’s next?

Of course, teams are playing for a National Championship and need to get ready and stay focused, but even so, they rush through and immediately move on to what's next.

Doesn’t that sound a lot like our lives? The truth is, that most of us don’t take the time to appreciate the blessings we experience each day. We’re always thinking about starting the next thing on our to-do list or taking on the next project.

We’re already planning our next move without embracing the joy in our present situation.

As followers of Jesus, we should always live with thankfulness – pausing in the present to acknowledge the blessings we’ve been given, instead of worrying about what’s next.

It’s important to celebrate each win along the way while also continually praising God for our ultimate victory.

1 Corinthians 15:57 tells us, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

As we think about the now instead of the next, let’s ask God to open our eyes to see what He’s done and what He's doing. Let’s look around with joy and thanksgiving for today.

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

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for not appreciating the many blessings You have given me. Please help me to slow down and be aware of all You’re doing in the present, so I can live with joy and thankfulness. Please help me not to get so wrapped up in what’s next. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.