Where are You Living?

Dear Fellow Travelers,

          At the request of my son, Michael, I am reading a book, “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle. I have no idea who he is or what he believes (probably a radical, New Age, Southern Baptist, Presbyterian) but he does ask some intriguing questions. The following is an example (p.49): “Are you always trying to get somewhere other than where you are? Is most of your doing just a means to an end? Is fulfillment always just around the corner or confined to short-lived pleasures, such as sex, food, drink drugs, or thrills and excitement? Are you always focused on becoming, achieving, and attaining, or alternatively chasing some new thrill or pleasure? Do you believe that if you acquire more things you will become more fulfilled, good enough, or psychologically complete” Are you waiting for a man or woman to give meaning to your life?

          It is my guess that most everyone who reads this, if they are honest, will have to answer “yes” to each of the questions. Yes, I realize that you are probably the exception, but please be patient with the rest of us, while we try to sort this out.

          Why are we always trying to get somewhere other than where we are? What makes the present so painful? Why is most of our doing merely a means to an end? What is wrong with doing something just for the sake of doing it? Why are we so convinced that fulfillment is just around the corner? Why aren’t we fulfilled in the here and now?

          The sad truth is this: most of us spend our lives either reliving the regretted past, allowing it to define who we are, or living in fear of what might happen tomorrow, allowing the fears to paralyze us. Few of us have learned the value of living in the present moment, free from not only the guilt and regrets of the past, but also the fears of what might happen tomorrow.

          Jesus had something to say about this: “Look at the birds of the air . . . Consider the lilies of the field” (Matthew 6:26, 28). As you looked and considered, did you notice that neither the lilies of the field, nor the birds of the air wear watches? Ever wonder why? They live in the eternal now!

          Where are you living?

                     

"This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent" (John 6:29 NASB).