Here // Five Minute Friday
I am here. But am I really?
I want to learn to be present in the moment, to be fully aware of my surroundings.
But It’s hard to be here sometimes, fully aware and fully accepting of my current season.
I’m surrounded by chaos, a messy house, a pile of bills and uncertainty in many areas.
Sometimes I’d rather run over there, or crawl under the covers and hide — to be anywhere but here. Surely, the grass is greener on the other side.
But then my heat is convicted. God has given me a good life. A life filled with people that I love, those who love me, good health, shelter, a hardworking husband, children who love the Lord, a precious grand son. I have so much to be grateful for.
[tweetthis]There are countless joys to behold in the hear and now. #fmfparty[/tweetthis]
How do I learn to let go of my wanderings and fully embrace where He’s placed me, right here, right now. This season has been so long and hard and here in this place I often feel anxious, my heart not quite resolved to accept the changes that have occurred — too many, all at once.
And then I remember that I’m not here alone. There is One who has come to bring comfort and joy in this season of hard, and He promised to give me life — abundant life, in the here and now.
Blessed to be linking up with the Five Minute Friday, where beautiful women across the web write for just 5 Minutes on a word prompt. No editing or backtracking, no need to be perfect. Todays’ word prompt is “here”.
And here is such a beautiful place to be…
Thanks for stopping by Tondra!
When HERE is a hard place to be, our human nature is to longingly look at that grass that looks magnificently better on the other side of the fence. Sure looks low maintenance, doesn’t it? Yet, it is when we are going through trials and have to throw up our hands, that God does the greatest work in our own yards growing our faith in Him. Wouldn’t happen any other way……may God give you the joy you long for as you embrace the HERE, Barbie!
Blessings,
Tammy ~@~
#FMF
Thank you so much Tammy! I appreciate your visit.
Beautifully written and so true. We are not here alone.
Thank you for stopping by Wendy!
Oh friend… yes – being present and fully ‘here’ is rarely easy – even if the crazy and loud is held at bay! 😉 Still – it’s worth it and I think it is like almost everything else… it simply takes intention and practice (and grace!) So much grace! I think challenging ourselves to be ‘here’ in small doses helps us to cultivate a lifestyle of leaning in and slowing down! Baby steps are still steps in the right direction, right? Love you so!
You have so much wisdom. Thankful for the baby steps that propel me forward!
I find it difficult to be here but I am here. I love you my friend. Blessings Diana
Me too at times. But I know that God has a plan and purpose for both of us here. Love you!
I too, struggle to just BE in the here and now. My beautiful back deck and a lovely summer has surely helped. Lol! My kids say I practically live out on that deck. They’re right. I love it there. It’s my place. My place to just BE. And I know God sits there with me. <3
Sounds like a beautiful place to just be. Have a beautiful weekend.
So much amen here, Barbie. It’s sometimes so hard to BE here when our here is crazy! I totally get that – with two kids and another on the way, nothing is ever quiet or clean (although adding to our chaos right now is that our house is on the market, so we have to keep it clean!) Thanks for the encouragement to dig for the good in our here.
ps – I linked up right next to you at Kate’s 🙂
I remember those days with little ones. God gives so much grace. I enjoyed reading your FMF post.
I’m glad you’re here. Your words always bless and encourage!!
Thanking God for you!!
~Bevy
Thank you Bevy! I appreciate you!
Countless joys in the here and now – so true. My extended family has been through the wringer these past couple of years and I have had to make a conscious effort not to ruminate on the past or fear of the future but rest in the knowledge that God has me, is holding me and live in this very moment – drink in that abundant life.
Good advise Mindy. To rest in the knowledge that I am held by Him. AMEN!
Barbie, I love the honesty here and can so often relate to these words:”Sometimes I’d rather run over there, or crawl under the covers and hide — to be anywhere but here. Surely, the grass is greener on the other side.” Oh yes, it feels like it sometimes! But accepting where we are (and who we are) on the way to where we’re going – and all we are becoming – is a wonderful gift of grace. And God’s presence makes the messy middle not only liveable but surprisingly enjoyable. Thank you! Xx <3
Thank you Joy. You always encourage me with your words.
We think alike on this prompt. I enjoyed your writing.
Thank you Gabriele. I enjoyed reading your post.
“Sometimes I’d rather run over there, or crawl under the covers and hide — to be anywhere but here. Surely, the grass is greener on the other side.”
Yes! I struggle with this! But strangely, more when things are “coasting”. When Things are really good- they are really good, and when I am in crisis mode, I am focused and challenged and find purpose. It is in the normal day-to-day that my heart becomes anxious and unfocused. Thanks for sharing this great reminder today!
I wish I could stay focused when in crisis mode. I think I’ve had a little too much crisis lately. Thanks for stopping by Christian.
Thank you for the remineder. Yes I do feel like I am only half here most time reading my messages kind of going through the motions ,mind is somewhere else. I am always worring about the next thing. I have handed this to God but have taken it back so many times. I use to find comfort sitting and reading the bible, but now i pick it up and my mind can’t stay focus at all so I close it again for a later time of which does not come. Any sujestion I am open.
God Bless
Dot
Hi Dot. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your heart. I struggle with this too. Reading His Word has become a challenge, one that I prefer not to struggle with. What I’ve been doing is reading along with the First5 App or She Reads Truth. These are reading plans that are short and keep me wanting more. It’s not about how much you read, but rather consistency. Hang in there!
I’m constantly planning for the future or second-guessing the past. Being present in the moment is so hard for me!
Me too Elizabeth. Thank you for stopping by!
Dear friend, I am so glad you wrote this beautiful post! Your posts slip into my e-mail inbox and this one really touched me. “There is One who has come to bring comfort and joy in this season of hard, and He promised to give me life — abundant life, in the here and now.” such a beautiful reminder, Barbie. One I needed myself.
And your post reminded me of 5 minute friday – which I have participated in in FOREVER! But I did today.
Thank you and have a great weekend.
I am so thankful you wrote this week Mary. I’ve been missing you!
I have been feeling a little displaced, lately. You caught me on this “How do I learn to let go of my wanderings and fully embrace where He’s placed me right here and right now..” Amen! And I don’t just mean wanderings of place, multiple moves, multiple homes – but also wanderings of thought and spirit. I need to settle on the God of my heart and trust Him. We truly aren’t here alone, are we? Thank you for this pick-me-up today.
Thanks Janet. When I wrote it, I was actually thinking about the wanderings of my heart. I can get myself in a pickle with my stinking thinking. Thanks for stopping by!
You’ve said it all with this: “I’m not here alone.”
That is theodicy in one sentence.
He’s always with us. I’m so thankful. And I’m thankful for you Michele!
always enjoy your writing.
You always bless Denise. I appreciate you!
I find it hard to be in the “here and now” sometimes but when I do, it’s a wonderful feeling.
Thanks for stopping by Lux. Praying you’re having a great weekend.