Wednesday, May 14, 2008

preparing for whatever is next

When I was in the youth group, my youth pastor spoke once on what it meant to "live with your bags packed". Basically, to wait for whatever was next instead of living completely in the here and now. The complete opposite of what Jim Elliot said when he wrote, "Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God."

I learned this week that "living with my bags packed" doesn't necessarily mean waiting for the next big positive event (be it summer camp, a wedding, a vacation, etc.). For most of this week, my bags were packed for whatever the next awful, uncomfortable, life-altering event might be. Not a great state of mind to spend time in, ya know.

The thing is, I don't want to live in either place: waiting for the next amazing thing, or the next horrible thing. I want to live today. This moment. After all, it will never come again. I was reminded of this as I sat in a waiting room yesterday and watched a new father stroke the soft hair of his two-week-old son, completely enamored by this tiny sleeping boy. I thought, "It is obvious that this guy is treasuring this time. He knows he won't get it back."

I want to strive to feel that enamored by every moment of my life. Knowing that "this too shall pass." I want to unpack my bags here. No matter what.

I cry out for Your hand of mercy to heal me
I am weak, I need Your love to free me
O Lord, my rock. You're my strength in weakness
Come rescue me, O Lord...

YOU ARE MY HOPE
YOUR PROMISE NEVER FAILS ME
And my desire is to follow You forever.

FOR YOU ARE GOOD TO ME.

3 comments:

Shannon said...

Beautuiful post, Tori. With life moving so fast these days, it is often hard to be content in the now. You've challenged me to be "enamored by every moment of my life" too!

Blessings,
Shannon Cooper (Abby's mom)

Krista Sanders said...

Great stuff, Tori. You have given me something to think about. Thanks!

Jessica said...

I love the new blog make-over! :) You two are a cute couple!