the present
02/17/2010
photography: joana | dans les nuages |
God is already present in the hidden depths of the present moment;
it is just because we were skimming along across the surface of what is happening
that we were unable to know and rest in that presence.
Gary Moon
How much do I miss because I am only skimming, too rushed to pierce the surface and discover what lies beneath? How much more would I see of Him simply by slowing down?
†Gary Moon, “Experiencing the Presence of God: A Conversation with James Finley,” in Conversations 4, no. 2 (fall 2006): 21
Quoted by Helen Cepero, Journaling As A Spiritual Practice, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2008), p. 20.
13 Comments
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solstice letters 
We’ve been purposing to slow down as a family. It’s not as hard as we thought it would be, and it’s been so rewarding! We have more time to relax together and hear our children say funny things…now the struggle is for me to find my time to be alone, quiet, and read or pray…this is harder for me then all the laundry, dishes, or snotty noses that crowd my day…
for sure and certain…in the past moments, the present moments and the moments yet to come.
Beautiful compostion.
This was the message of my post yesterday – so timely in this season where so many of us are just “skimming along the surface” as fast as we can, eyes half shut, to get to spring and leave winter behind. In a number of ways and for a number of reasons we need to open our eyes and behold the glory of now. There is beauty here in the snow, here in the ground silently waiting to burst into new life. We know this rhythm, we know the next act in this play, and it should leave us excitedly delighting in winter as we anticipate spring. Through this simple discipline we may also guide our hearts to learn to seek into the depths and know God there. Mindfulness enriches our way of life; knocking us out of apathy and bringing us to an awareness of the startlingly beautiful LIFE around us.
This is such a perfect post for me today today. Being Ash Wednesday–I’m thinking thinking of what to give up. But I’ve decided what I’m taking on, instead. Taking on a season of mindfulness, not just skimming the surface. Diving deep into the things, give us that presence of mind and of spirit.
Thank you so much.
beautiful.
i love this photo as well!
I am longing for this. Wanting to go below the surface and become more intimate with Creator God. The only way possible is to slow down and make room for Him.
Great picture & message.
Beautiful thought to meditate upon today! Thanks for sharing!
i am gathering these word into my heart ..image as well is there
It is such a great feeling to slow and sink into the waters of the day.. feel the warmth and the waves and see things you normally wouldn’t see when you are rushing about. Thanks for the nudge!
Beautiful in every way. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of being present, breathing and taking in the holy that is always present.
peace
lar
i am constantly having to remind myself to slow down. my kids too. it’s crazy how they absorb the speediness of our culture.