Five Minute Friday: Present

It's often said there is no time like the present.  Do we deem this statement to be true?

The present.  Right now.  Not the days of yesterday nor the days to come.

Again and again, we struggle to appreciate our present path because we sadly live for when that thing happens in the future.  That thing for each of us may be different but our discontentment in the now is the same.

I wish we can enjoy our present we've been given to the full.  I wish we could relish in the gift of now. Without the what-if's, without worry, without fear, but in trusting our Creator knows our path.  He knows us. He knows our desires.  He knows our needs.  He is aware of that thing we long for.

May I challenge you to push through dissatisfaction?  Stop expending so much energy waiting for a better day.   But choose to have a grateful heart for your present gift. Today.

Then and only then will there indeed be no time like the present!

Five Minute Friday: Beautiful

Beautiful Beginnings

Newness.  A fresh start.  Second chances.  

I so desire to be a morning person.  In fact, I envy those who are natural born early risers.   I honestly feel like I'm missing so much of what God wants me to have, experience and hear when I sleep in.  A perfect kickoff would be awakening to a hot cup of tea (with creamer of course) in quiet stillness.  Listening to His voice, with Bible and journal in hand.  A time to hear and respond to His direction for the day.  Sadly, these mornings are often a figment of my imagination.  

But because I've been gifted with yet another beautiful beginning to rise early and spend time in His presence, it is getting easier and easier each day.  But not without being intentional and putting forth effort on my part.  It requires laying aside the night owl and slaying the temptations to be awake until the wee hours of the night.  

I'm getting closer.  I'm beginning a new habit; a new lifestyle.  

Beautiful indeed.  He is making me beautiful.  He is making me like Him.  Each day; a beautiful beginning.