Being present in the present is sometimes a challenge. The propensity to exist in the past, either glorying in what was or lamenting what could have been, or getting lost in the future, always pining for what might be, keeps so many of us locked out of the wonder of now.

How do we root into the present and experience the moment? I’m certain there are a multitude of techniques to centre oneself and enjoy this instant unencumbered with what went before or what might become, but the one I want to focus on is the simplest of all. Gratitude.

A Tankful of Thankful

Having tankful of thankful is one of the greatest ways to bring your soul home and be reminded who and whose you are!

With regard to thankfulness I’m the chief of sinners. My unthankful moments, forgetting the mountainous weight of proof declaring God’s goodness so easily, are more than I would like to number or confess.

At times these transgressions of attitude are sins of omission. I just fail to be thankful for the grace I enjoy, or perhaps even worse ascribe the blessings of life to accident, happenchance, or the fruits of my own strength and genius.

Other time they are sins of commission. Overt gripes and the swirling pool of self-pity suck me in. “Why me?” is so much easier to ask when the eye is on what I haven’t, than what I have! I embarrass myself with just how absorbed I can become with my tiny plot of life, and forget that there is a screaming, breaking, yearning world wrestling for breath right outside my door.

A Million (And More) Reasons…

Breath.

Sky.

Rain.

Water.

Sunlight.

Trees.

Food.

Friends.

Children.

Health.

Arms, legs, fingers, and feet.

Intelligence.

Possibilities yet to be realised.

Connections.

Desire.

Passion.

Protection.

A safe place to stay, and energy for another day.

Sunrise at the break, sunset at the end, and the hours in between.

Bird song to begin the day.

Dishes to wash up proving food that was eaten.

Clothes to wash because of bodies well clothed.

Tasks to be done because opportunities abound.

Joy in the small things.

Some money in the bank, enough for my needs.

Hope and expectation for the future.

A light that works, and books to read. Electricity

Words to share, and faith in God.

A voice, however small, but big enough to encourage another.

Love to bring, sometimes even a song to sing.

Dancing in the kitchen.

Holding my loved ones.

And forgiveness.

Forgiveness for all of the times I forget all of the above and a million more grace-given blessings.

Right now, this second, in the moment, with no future I’m vainly reaching for, or past that is not wiped clean by your mercy, I thank Jesus for all that I am and all I have.

All I will become can take care of itself for now. The seeds of tomorrow are sown today, and that’s where I choose to live with my tankful of thankful and sow from a heart of gratitude!