It’s Friday which means I am joining Kate Motaung for Five Minute Friday. And .. it is the final Five Minute Friday of 2016! Not sure how it happened but this year flew by! But it is still a one word prompt. Five minutes. No editing. Many of us writing on that same word.
Today’s prompt is … Now.
It is the busiest time of the year with much to be done before we can get together with family, open presents, eat our favorite foods, and enjoy Christmas day.
This was the year I desired to be more focused during the wait. So often I have waited for “then” to enjoy what is “now”.
It has been in approaching each day this Advent with focus, preparing Him room in my heart and life with intention, that I find myself filling with anticipation. Each morning, in reading from an Advent devotional, the wonder and the amazement of Advent has stretched my heart a little bit more, making room for yet more to be filled.
As the familiar lyrics and melodies of Christmas carols have stirred my heart and mind, they have become rich with meaning as if it were the first time hearing them.
It is in the “now” of the Advent season, moment by moment, day by day, the deepest work is done in our lives. We cannot put it off to be done “then” as it will not get done at all.
Only in the “Now” will we be fully prepared for His arrival “Then”.
For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation I helped you.” Indeed the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.
(2 Corinthians 6:2, NLT)
Today I am joining … Five Minute Friday and Faith Filled Friday and Faith ”˜N Friends and #FreshMarketFriday and #DanceWithJesus .
I love finding all these FMF posts, but especially today because just this morning on my way back from the high school (Minus 9 on my car’s thermometer . . . brrrr), I was asking God to help me to be present in this particular day with all its challenges. And here you are, Joanne, cheering me on without even knowing it!
Blessings to you!
And minus 9 is a challenge for sure, Michele! May God keep you warm and safe!
Beautifully said, Joanne! Truly “now” is the day of salvation for us. “Now” is when we can respond to His love with obedience and praise. “Now” is when we can reflection on all He has done. “Now” is also when we can anticipate the “then” of when He returns. Blessed Christmas to you!
Pam, so grateful you caught the anticipation of the “then”. May you and yours have a blessed Christmas too!
SO, so good.
This is poetic, beautiful! I’m so happy to have stumbled upon your FMF this week. Merry Christmas Joanne!
I’m glad you stopped here too, Meg. May you and yours have a blessed Christmas as well!
Living in the “now,” being “fully present” is such a challenge in today’s world. I keep trying, though, thanks to hearing a word such as this. Thank you!
Jerralea, with the busyness that is constantly around us, the challenge to remain fully present is also constant. May we both be even more intentional to be present in 2017. Have a blessed Christmas!
Amen! I, too, am learning to be present and content in the present. Now is when Jesus is calling…
This line “Only in the “Now” will we be fully prepared for His arrival “Then”.” captures me. What a beautiful reminder that God wants me to be present, actively present as I prepare for his arrival. That’s good.
May we be fully prepared on that day, Calvonia. And may you and yours have a blessed Christmas!
Intention is a key part of now isn’t it? Such encouraging words Joanne. Thank you.
â¤ï¸ï¸ This: “As the familiar lyrics and melodies of Christmas carols have stirred my heart and mind, they have become rich with meaning as if it were the first time hearing them.” I so agree. They feel especially powerful this year. Thank you for the reminder to live in the ‘now.’
Merry Christmas from your FMF neighbour this week in #17 🙂
Only in the “Now” will we be fully prepared for His arrival “Then”. This sums it all up!