For most of my life, I have been sleepwalking. This is not in a literal sense, but a figurative one. There’s a Bible verse that describes what I’m talking about. “So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.” (1 Thess. 5:6). Sleepwalking in this passage describes how a person can be passively going through the motions of life instead of walking in the Spirit.

Stillness

When was the last time you sat still with God?

I mean… really sat in silence, breathing in and out, deep and slow? I’m guilty of rushing through my morning, having a quick chat with God, then going on to the next task. When I wake up, there are so many things that pop into my mind. If I’m not careful, I’ll miss out on what God wants me to notice for that day.

If you want to start your day with a moving meditation that focuses your heart and mind on God, try this free Christian yoga class on my YouTube channel. 

He could be sending birds to remind me of the freedom I have been blessed with, or a purple flower along my path so I don’t forget I’m a royal daughter of the Kind. (Purple represents royalty). But of course, I can miss those special moments from God because of my one-track mind of do, do, do.

There are so many days I’ve wasted trying to do all the things on my to-do list. While these “things” are not necessarily bad or unproductive, they can get in the way of what really matters.

Connection

We only have this one life on earth. What is the earth filled with? People! And what do people need? Connection!

When Adam and Eve were in the garden, God was there, going on regular strolls with them. They were having a “Be Here Now” moment! Those three words are so important in reminding us to keep that connection with others. I’m very guilty of going about my day without even looking at my surroundings. People are everywhere, yet many feel as though they are all alone in a crowded room.

For a little background, my story involves being charged with a crime at age 24, getting saved at a Christian rehab, and serving 7 ½ years in the state prison. While I was incarcerated, I attended a faith-based program with self-improvement classes. In one of these classes, I met a white-haired, blue-eyed, joyful old man with a dry sense of humor. He was a volunteer from a local church who came in to teach a class called Character Redevelopment.

One day, he split us into groups and instructed us to act out a “Be Here Now” moment in front of the classroom. This involved listening and being present for the person we were making a connection with. It opened my eyes to the needs of those around me. “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” (Prov. 11:25). Even though I was giving time and attention to someone else, it filled my cup, too.

Balance

When the opportunity arose to be there for others, I didn’t always jump at the chance to do so. It seemed like that sort of thing would add more wasted time and effort to my already busy schedule. In all actuality, it does quite the opposite.

Before, I was doing it all wrong. I thought I had to be there for others because it was my Christian duty. It became another job instead of adding joy to my life. My perspective needed adjustment.

By being there for others, I began to grow in faith. I didn’t realize my faith-meter was low. In recovery, there’s a saying about how helping others helps you. It’s true! Think about what you need at the moment: a hug, a kind word, a listening ear. Whatever comes to mind, give it away to someone else. When you give the very thing that you need, it does something amazing. It fills your cup! When I chose a mindset of being filled, it changed everything.

Have you ever noticed that when you are in the middle of encouraging someone else, you somehow feel rejuvenated and more alive? This is the principle of being refreshed when you refresh others. Not only that but you are also being filled with more faith as you hear the words coming from your own voice into your ears.

“So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” (Rom. 10:17). Isn’t that wild? You might be speaking a word of Christian encouragement to someone, but you are, in turn, receiving that same message being given out. Please don’t wait for perfect conditions to “Be Here Now.” You never know who you might be saving from one life-changing bad decision.

Time Doesn’t Wait

Time doesn’t wait for anyone. I should know. When my incarceration began, I was in my mid-20’s and when it came time for release, I was already in mid-30’s. Prison put things into perspective. Each day is precious. There’s no way to know if tomorrow will be gone.

Spend time enjoying the present moment while forming real relationships. We might have things to do and places to go, but how are we doing spiritually? Has busyness become a tyrant that begs for more and more of your time and attention? Before you know it, the day has passed, and all those things on the list start to fade into tomorrow’s list, and the next day, and the next day.

Being Present

What really matters is taking time to be present with God and with others. The present is called the present because it’s a gift. God’s presence is only in the present. He’s with you right now.

Don’t let the day go by without acknowledging His nearness. And as you go about your list, take time to look around and smell the roses. You never know the impact you might have on someone’s life by noticing them. It will refresh your soul if you do!