One of my earliest memories of my childhood took place on a warehouse’s sample cut of pink carpet square on the floor of my kindergarten classroom.
Every morning at St. James Elementary School our five year old hearts and voices sang, for some out of habit and for others soulful rejoice, and for most a combination of the two:
This is the day,
That the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day, This is the day
That the Lord has made.
By far more bouncy and rhythmic than the Pledge of Allegiance (for which we never broke out streamers and tambourines), this was the start of each day.
How easy it was for a five-year old to live this psalm.
All that mattered was the present.
How many minutes until recess? How many peanuts in that jar? What if horses could fly? Would my mom let me have a flying horse? What’s an omelet? Is it like an egret? What’s an egret?
How many minutes NOW until recess?
Living in the present is something that does not come easy to me.
Focusing on what God has given me here and now is not a natural and intuitive process for me.
My whole life I feel as though I have been hurdling myself into the next chapter, unsatisfied and discontent with the current page.
God, knowing this (and everything about my being) has blessed me with soft whispers when I’m supposed to pay attention.
Kaitlin, Kaitlin. Dear Daughter, you’re going to want to pay attention.
Right Here. Right now. This moment is for you.
Because of this I have very, very clear snippets and photographs of the past.
I cling to these as I am free to embrace the present in all the glory that it was.
The snickers bar that I shared with my dad as a child on the snowy slops of some fancy ski resort in New Mexico.
The way my husband looked at me he glanced upon his normally-not-so-glamorous bride on our wedding day.
Giving birth to my son, whom I knew was to be rushed to the NICU as soon as he was born, being plopped onto my lap in his slimy and purely glorious self.
Being a mother I was overwhelmed by the whole team of doctors in the room waiting to jump on the situation, watching my son’s every breath.
But through my husbands tears and the beeping of the awaiting monitors I heard only,
Kaitlin, Kaitlin. Dear Daughter, you’re going to want to pay attention.
Right Here. Right now. This moment is for you.
And, far more other times, it’s less dramatic.
While driving home from a busy day of work thinking about the countless comparably unimportant remedial tasks, “out of nowhere” suddenly a breathtaking sunset breaking over the Siskiyou Mountains that clears my mind instantly.
Kaitlin, Kaitlin. Dear Daughter, you’re going to want to pay attention.
Right Here. Right now. This moment is for you.
Something about that glorious song has rung true in my heart long beyond dinosaur math days, graham crackers, and chocolate milk.
We are so fortunate to be able to sing with all of God’s children:
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
By, Kaitlin Evans (Perceptions and Passions)
Leave a Comment
Amy Hunt says
I’ve been struggling with wanting to know so much…impatient to wait…and He’s been steadying me, assuring me that I don’t need to know right now, and to focus on Today. What a beautiful reminder you provided, Kaitlin. I so much appreciate that truth–This is the day; let us rejoice {in this} and be glad in it.
Rich blessings as you stay close to each moment…
Kaitlin Evans says
Blessings to you as well Amy! 🙂
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
I needed this reminder today…to live in the moment, live for right NOW and learn to enjoy without wishing away the little blessings of today. Easier said than done but something I am truly working on. My husband and I so desperately want to have a baby that sometimes I get caught up in when that it will happen and the WHEN becomes my focus, instead of sitting back and enjoying each moment that the Lord blesses us with, as a family of two. 🙂
Kaitlin Evans says
Prayers headed your way!! Good luck to you and your husband! 🙂
Holley Gerth says
Oh, I can so relate to the tendency to focus on the future! Thank you for this beautiful reminder to pay attention right here, right now.
Kaitlin Evans says
I am glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
Morgan says
Wonderful … pay attention. A good reminder for me today.
Becca says
So true, and moving. Living in the moment is so hard when the worlds constantly telling you to consider your future in every choice you make. Inspiring!
Rachel says
Dearest Kaitlin,
As your mom, this made me cry happy tears of contentment. I’m so glad that you are consciously embracing this Psalm. You are truly loved. Mom
Kaitlin Evans says
Haha thanks Mom!! Love you 2!
Kathy @ In Quiet Places says
I love it when God gets our attention and reminds us to stop rushing towards tomorrow and live where we are in each moment and in each new day, He made This Day, it is a gift!
Enjoyed your post!
Char Babette says
“My whole life I feel as though I have been hurdling myself into the next chapter, unsatisfied and discontent with the current page. ”
This sentence of yours really hit the nail on the head – that is exactly what I have been feeling (since January). God has been dealing with me on this – and has taken away everything that I could possible be discontent or unsatisfied with – and teaching me to be satisfied in HIM and content in HIM and sure that I am on HIS page.
As I’m sitting at home for the first time in a long time – as I’m having the opportunity to do things I wouldn’t be able to do if I were working – as I’m looking at finances and kids’ faces and responsibilities, you’ve reminded me:
Dear Daughter, you’re going to want to pay attention.
Right Here. Right now. This moment is for you.
Thanks!