What is your favorite season? Is it Fall with her orange and yellow leaves? Is it Winter and his snow covered trees? Is it Spring, and the arrival of her warm rays of light? Or do you prefer Summer with its long days and vacation getaways?
My favorite season seems to be whatever comes next or before. Instead of living in the moment and giving thanks for the season we are in, a part of me is never quite satisfied. Even now, as I write this, the leaves are still green and I am constantly looking to see if they are turning color. In my disappointment, I fail to live in this moment and enjoy the beauty that already exists.
Mindfulness is a skill that can be difficult to master. It is the ability to be fully present in the moment. It is taking that sip of coffee and knowing that those beans were grown hundreds of miles away, cultivated and shipped for the purpose that you enjoy its aroma and taste at that exact moment. Think of all that had to happen to bring you your cup of coffee, including the water! It really is amazing! It is easy to forget that each moment is bursting with miracles and blessings.
Woven through scripture is a contemplative thread where God reminds us to pause and not worry about the past or the future, but just be present with God. One way we can do that is through centering prayer. These are prayers that bring us back to God and make us mindful of God’s gifts which includes our morning coffee, our time with family, or even alone time with a book.
So, I invite you to try this centering prayer for yourself. Find a quiet place. Feel your feet on the solid ground and slowly say each line, pausing briefly after each one.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Blessings for your journey,
Pastor Keith