For your consideration……
How often do we just let life happen and really don’t pay much attention at all? There is a reason for absolutely everything. Every moment has a purpose. We are asked to live with intention. Be intentional. That means being present in every moment. I know that is easier said than done but being conscious of how we live life is a first step.
When someone is talking to us, are we giving them our full attention? How often do we politely….HOPEfully….excuse ourselves and answer a phone or check our messages? How often are we thinking of something or someone else during a conversation. Everyone loves my nephew, Jack. Every time I think about living with intention, I think of him. It does not matter who you are, if you are talking to him, he looks straight into your eyes and gives you his full attention. He absolutely has a gift. Most of us do not have that talent but the good news is we can strive for it. We can make an intentional effort to develop this gift. I don’t care who you are, when someone looks right at you and gives you their full attention, you feel valued.
Absolutely everything benefits when we give our full attention to it; tasks, work, thoughts, meditation, hobbies, writing, prayer, telephoning, sports, messaging, playing, walking, listening….everything benefits when we choose to be intentional.
Often with students I hear, “I don’t know what to write.” or “I’m done, I can’t think of anything else to write.” I bet I say “expand the moment” 10-20 times a week. Expanding the moment involves all of the senses. It brings the reader into the moment and shares it with them. Often we write how we live. We tend to focus on the big part of things and not the nitty-gritty where the real substance is.
We are asked today to give expand each moment and give it substance. Be fully present and intentional.
That is the HOPE. And so it is.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…..
-Meditate/pray….ask….”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?” Be fully present and listen.
-Drink lots of water.
-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.
-Practice being intentional.
What made me smile yesterday…..
-A sleep in morning.
-Email from Alex.
-Lunch with Karen.
-Talking with Jackie….funny stories. She really knows how to expand the moment and make you feel like you are right there.
-A good book.
-A beautiful sunny day. The river is beautiful with the leaves turning on the banks of it.
Love, Blessings and Gratitude,
Rev. Chris
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