In This Present Moment

We can easily be distracted into despair if we dwell on the news of the day. Bad news in every corner. So, when I walk, and turn off the podcast, I can enjoy the present that surrounds me. It is good for the soul.

Today, I was struck as I walked around in the last few days of the beautiful Autumn weather here in the upper Northern Hemisphere. The trees are a splash of incredible color, with deep scarlet leaves contrasting with hues of yellow, amber, gold, and green. I wondered how I could keep that image in my mind as the days of Winter slowly descend on us. I took some pictures, of course, and that helps me to feel that I have done something to preserve the image.

Then I realized that the pictures will never totally capture the scene. The scene before me must be appreciated in the present. This moment lasts only briefly, but it is the present reality to be embraced. The point I reminded myself of was this- embrace this moment. Stand and appreciate the beauty at hand. Sure, capture it in a photo, but don’t be fooled that sometime later this will give the comfort of right now. Enjoy this moment. Savor it, and be grateful for it.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the beauty of the present moment- a gift of your creation, Amen