Being in the moment

There are a few things that irritate me about facebook, but one thing that I always roll my eyes at is when I see someone post this or something similar to this: "Is it Friday yet?"  or "Sigh....can not wait for this week to be over!". I'm guilty of this attitude occasionally, but I've tried to purposefully train my mind not to think this way anymore. What a waste! I feel like people consciously run out the clock each day, and miss the opportunity to be "present" with the countless opportunites to make a difference and do something significant with their lives or for others.

We should be living each day with fullness and zeal, making the most of every opportunity we have been given. Being present. Proactively seeking and seaching for purpose for each day.  I look back now and (this is so cliche) the days seem to be going faster and faster and faster. There are days when I'm lying in bed at night and  I have "buyers remorse" when I look back and think: "what did i do today?"  I've been convicted about using every hour given to me as an investment. What am I doing with each hour? How am I using it? Am I being a good steward of the time that work has given me to accomplish my tasks?  For myself, am I treating my body like a temple of God or am I being lazy and unproductive? Getting up earlier to work out and run has helped me feel more productive. For people in my life, did I send a note, or a text or call someone to encourage them today?Am I making a difference in someone else's life with this time or am I mind-numbingly wasting it away through mundane tv shows or even sometimes, hanging out with the wrong people? To clarify, when I mean wrong people, I'm not just talking about the "wrong crowd". I talking about people who don't build you up and make you a better person. Sadly, these can many times be believers who lull us into a pool of mediocrity. Its time to change that.

Another struggle I have had over the years is looking back too much on the past and yearning for those "better" days. That's as bad as wishing the weekend was here now or the day was just over. I miss opportunities for what God wants to do at this current time when I think this way. Isaiah 43:18-19 says to "forget the former things- do not dwell on the past (whether good or bad), for I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up, do you not perceive it?" Anyone who knows me well knows this is an area I have needed to work on.

The charge to myself is that we take our uncertain amout of days given to us and treat each like a Christmas gift.  Each day is Christmas morning. We get to unwrap it, enjoy it, and hopefully be fulfilled by it.

Make it a great day!

Jeff

September 12

"Have Mercy", the basketball team I'm on with some good friends, played tonight and we ended up losing.Sad. It capped off the end of a day where I got home just drained and feeling lousy in general. It wasn't so much a physical tiredness of the game and driving to Fayetteville and back.  I felt overall frustrated and just kind of down on myself.  I hate that feeling as I consider myself a positive, glass half full kind of guy. So....I'm going to reflect on the good things happening lately or coming up in my life!

1) Its almost my birthday. I turn 33 on October 7th. October is my favorite month of the year because it signals fall, and frankly, I love getting cards/letters even more than a gift, because words of encouragement feed my soul.  I keep all things written to me and reflect upon them at different times. I'm not sure what I will do this year for my birthday. For several years, I was in Europe each October and spent my birthday solo.  Chet mentioned doing something for me this year.  I'm going to reflect more on this in a later blog.

2) Working out. I've been working out with Chet almost daily since Jan 2012, and its been great to see physical gain of muscle for both of us. I enjoy this time of day, whether its morning or afternoon, where we challenge ourserlves physically, and also catch up on the day. There is usually alot of laughing and jokes about fitness instructors but we work hard. Chet is very loyal to me and our workouts. I'm very thankful for him.

3) Roadtrips- I'm gearing up for several roadtrips to see Baylor football this fall and maybe a Rangers game. I'm hoping I can get some friends to go with me to see the games and eat at some cool local places in Manhattan, KC and Stillwater. I've asked a few people but no commitments yet.

4) I've been able to meet some new friends lately, which has been a breath of fresh air. I'm thankful God has brought me these new relationships. He is faithful.

5) I've tried to serve others as best I can over the past few months -financially, relationally, prayerfully and tangibly. Its been so rewarding to be a part of something greater than yourself.  

6) I'm running the Tulsa Route 66 Half Marathon in November. Its given me motivation to train and be in shape for the Nov 23rd date. I don't think I'm going to get a PR but it will be fun to get a medal!

7) I'm headed to Boston Sept 20-22 to see Kathleen! I haven't been there since 1999 so this will be so cool to see Harvard (she lives very close) and eat some chowder....

8) I've gotten to be a part of experiencing a cherished friend Michael as he grows in Christ. We have met every Sunday for 11 weeks and has been awesome to see him grow in his faith and Biblical knowledge. I care for him like a brother. We memorize 1 verse a week and talk about 3 chapters of a book of the Bible each week (we are in the middle of Romans now). One of Michael's best qualities is his encouragement to me.  He is always positive, generous and has a wonderful heart.His whole family is very special to me. This time together is definitely a highlight of my week.

That's it for now. And Jay, thanks for commenting on my blog. I never know who reads these. I'll work on the suggestions you gave me- all great ideas!

Make it a great night!