Gifts from Being Present in the Moment

Beloved:
    
      Either the puppy sleeps past 6 am these days or I don’t hear her crying until then.  First we go outside for personal business.  The air is shimmery with new light.  This can take a while as many things must be sniffed, tasted or chased. Back inside they eat breakfast and I make coffee.  In another month we’ll have morning devotionals on the porch but it’s still too chilly now so we pile into the bed with coffee, books and dog toys.  “Scout, drop it NOW!” is my most repeated mantra, followed by, “Give me that!” and, “Stop biting me.”  But every so often all three of us go so silent and still, tuned to to the sound and scent of that shimmery light.  

     I’ve taken pilgrimage to the Holy Land and followed the footsteps of Celtic monastics, spiritual experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything, and money well spent. All to learn that spiritual gain can be neither chased nor purchased, only received. Received only by being present and paying attention.  As likely in Bloomington as Bethlehem or Iona.   Whether awakened by ancient church bells or an assault of licky, furry dog love.

     Almost the instant it’s noticed the moment is gone.  Their wrestling makes the bed an earthquake.  I spill my coffee and kick them onto the back deck.  But the moment holds inside me now, a memory to sustain the spirit as a meal sustains the body.  As we live meal to meal, we are sustained moment to moment.  If we expect to thrive we can no more forget to pray than forget to eat.

     I could go on here, waxing poetic and wise, but the puppy pushed closet door open.  She’s been unloading it shoe by shoe for awhile now.  I pray you find a moment to pay attention and receive a gift today.  peace & prayers, pastor annette