Paying Attention To Our Lives

Life does not guarantee us time here. In an instant our lives may be altered in some way. In a moment, our trip may be over. Waste not a minute in worry. It’s mind-blowing really . . . .

In the entire history of the universe, let alone in your own history, there has never been another day just like today, and there never will be another just like it again. Today is the point to which all your yesterdays have been leading since the hour of your birth.

It is the point from which all of your tomorrows will proceed until the hour of your death. If you were aware of how precious today is, you could hardly live through it. Unless you are aware of how precious it is, you can hardly be said to be living at all.

Frederick Buechner

Perhaps the most unifying theme throughout all of Buechner’s writings (pronounced “BEEKner”) is to “pay attention” because God is constantly at work in our everyday lives. A writer and theologian, his books are on my reading list and include Secrets in The Dark.

The message today – to remember how precious life is, how sacred this day is. I know I will make more time to enjoy, to relax, to release myself into everything I do.

I will loosen the grip, noticing how I hold on to things so tightly. In an effort to control, I white knuckle though my days. Now I soften the grip, so I may remain calm and let life be.

I will remember how supported I am. How much love and encouragement surrounds me and how it lifts my heart and helps me propel forward.

The entire universe opening up to give me – giving me more time to focus on what is important. To do what I cherish.

I will know without a doubt that God is within me, loving me and guiding me all the way.

I know that my intelligence is something that I can trust. That clarity comes from tapping into my moral compass – doing what is right and best not for just me but for all.

And if I become anxious, concerned, if I don’t know something, I will go to the wisest ones I know, to seek and to learn.

I will remain open so God can show me what I may be overlooking, because . . .