“Are you listening to me?”
My husband’s eyes narrow, and I have to admit…I’m not. His words have become background music, while my mind has moved on to planning the rest of my day. My body was right there, but my mind was somewhere in a galaxy far, far away.
Daydreaming is normal, but there’s a time and a place for that. And it’s not while I’m supposed to be engaged in conversation with my husband. Oops.
There’s another place where the mind/body disconnect happens to me. Church.
I’m sitting in the pew, with my eyes on the deacon giving the sermon. From all outward appearances, I’m paying attention. But, again, I have to admit it. My mind is weaving in and out of the words being spoken. One minute I’m getting involved in the message, the next I’m imagining the future, or regretting the past.
How silly is this? Why am I going back to times where I was embarrassed or felt I could have done something better? I can’t change it. The past is not a good neighborhood. I need to move out. Now. Here I am, allowing myself to be tortured by a memory, while missing a message I need to hear.
(Not being unified in body and mind is a gift that keeps on giving. Tomorrow I can obsess about what a space cadet I was in church today.)
The other neighborhood I’ll visit is the future. I have been in a group of people at a social event, and an off-hand comment triggers a thought about plans I have for next week.
My mind exits the building, reviewing the plans for a coming celebration. “Do I have all the supplies I need? Will he like the cake I ordered? I bet he’s going to get all kinds of great gifts!” Still standing in that group of guests, I’m really miles away.
My mind exits the building, reviewing the plans for a coming celebration. “Do I have all the supplies I need? Will he like the cake I ordered? I bet he’s going to get all kinds of great gifts!” Still standing in that group of guests, I’m really miles away.
Now as I said before, there’s a time and place to ponder plans for the party. But it’s not in a group of partygoers. Fabricating scenes of triumph and cake can wait. I should be enjoying myself, and the people around me. The future can wait.
I want to be more present in the current moment, so I’m really working on that these days. Living life fully means living life right now. Not in the ‘old neighborhood’ of the past or the ‘new neighborhood’ of the future.
Figuring out how to manipulate my future, or stew about the past means I’m going to completely whiff on the ‘right now.’
Every new day is gift. Every new conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, or deepen a relationship. I don’t want to miss out on that anymore.
So the next time my husband asks if I’m paying attention, I’ll be able to say “Yes!” And the next time I’m sitting in that pew, I’ll be all ears. Instead of being distracted, I’ll be right there.
Right where I should be. In the moment.
The past should be a learning experience, not an everlasting punishment. (Anon.)
Every new day is gift. Every new conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, or deepen a relationship. I don’t want to miss out on that anymore.
So the next time my husband asks if I’m paying attention, I’ll be able to say “Yes!” And the next time I’m sitting in that pew, I’ll be all ears. Instead of being distracted, I’ll be right there.
Right where I should be. In the moment.
The past should be a learning experience, not an everlasting punishment. (Anon.)
Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself.
(Matt 6:34)
You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment.
Enjoyed reading this, related somewhat, I am sure Satan loves to distract me whilst in church particularly and I often fall prey to what I call “What Ifs” Matt 6 V34 is particularly relevant. God Bless and thank you for all your visits and encouraging comments and prayers.
Hi Nita! I’m sure you are not as distractible as I am, Nita. I think I am just recognizing how hard it is to stay in the moment.
I’m glad we are blog-friends, and can encourage each other. It’s nice to visit you, and I love having you here
Happy Monday,
Ceil
Ceil…
First off, good Monday morning!
Secondly…you have no idea. No idea at all how this one spoke to me!
I wish you could talk to Steve and ask him how many times I have answered him or engaged in a conversation with him, only to have no recollection of it at all! It is like, afte all these years, his voice is like white noise to me…always there in the background!
I just made a decision to be mor in the moment…to look the person in the eye…to take in every word…
I am also finding myself doing that with my visits with my dear father, as he slips farther away. I no longer take our visits for granted. At all.
So thank you, my friend…for speaking to me. For letting me know I am not alone. and for giving we wise words of encouragement as well. : )
Hi Billie Jo! Oh my, you are not alone at all. I like your strategy of looking people in the eye. I think I’ll borrow that one. It will keep me from ‘multitasking’ in my mind.
I am praying for you and your needs, so that includes your Dad. You are such a good daughter…it can’t be easy. But I know you are that ‘in the moment’ for him too. Isn’t that beautiful?
We teach and inspire each other, and I am so thankful for that. Thank you for the eye contact tip! I know it will help.
Happy Monday, my friend
Ceil
Excellent, excellent post, Ceil! So often I feel like I have AADD! My mind is flitting from one thought to another and suddenly I realize I haven’t heard a word the person I am “talking” with has said! I, too, want to learn to live in each moment.
Hi Pam! It’s nice that you can relate, although we both want be more attentive. Maybe there are a few more of us out there, more than we think? I caught myself doing it again this morning…I’ve got a long way to go.
But we’ll keep working on it, right?
Happy Monday, my friend,
Ceil
Hi Ceil, I counl recognize myself in your reflections – sometimes the thoughts start to wonder, and capturing them on the right track is so essential but not always easy. When being in the moment, we’re not burdened by the worries of past or future … Like your beautiful quotes demonstrate!
Hi Nina! Boy, are you right. Even when I know my mind is gone, it takes effort to pull away from my thoughts and get into the moment. It’s so much more peaceful to be where I am, and that’s not an accident! God wants me right here.
I really liked those quotes too. They really demonstrate how active you can be in the present!
Have a good Monday!
Ceil
Ceil, I understand exactly where you are coming from. I am S L O W L Y learning to live IN THE MOMENT. I have one of those peel and stick quotes on the mudroom wall where it is easily visible from other rooms in the house, “Every day is a gift”. It truly is. Let’s work on this one together, shall we?
Hi Dianna! I am so glad you can relate…misery likes company. Yes, yes, let’s work on it together! It’s easier to do things with another person, love to try with you
Every day is a gift is a great motto, and something to remind myself of daily. I need that!
Happy Veterans Day,
Ceil
Hi Ceil,
there is a song that quite often comes into my mind, I don’t know if you have ever heard it. It is called ‘living in the moment’, and it uncannily often drops into my mind when I drift away from two scriptures the Lord gave me at the beginning of my walk with Him. ‘Take no thought for tomorrow’ (as you have put in your lovely post)_ and ‘Take every thought captive, bringing it into obedience to Christ’. He understands we are flesh and that sometimes our carnal mind will try to condemn us for what we might have regretted doing in the past, but the scripture reminds me once again of His forgiveness, and the pictures we get worrying about the future rarely ( I could say almost never) happen if we take those thoughts captive by removing our fears and committing our future to God’
God bless you for sharing
Hi Brenda! I love your two scriptures, and how they guide your attitude and life in general. So powerful! And the Lord really does live to forgive and intercede, why run back to things in the past? Leave them alone; they are gone!
I agree with those ‘pictures’ of the future too. I always arrange it so it’s good for me, and God often has another plan in mind. Thank goodness! I have such a narrow view. Good thing we have such a God who knows what’s best.
Wonderful comment (as usual), much to think about!
Ceil
Ceil…oh how you hit the nail on the head for me also. The only thing about this that gives me some encouragement is the fact that others struggle with this too and I seem to be in good company! Isn’t it something how our thoughts can dictate where we are …at any given moment of the day? Sometimes I wish I had a switch that I could just turn off. Satan really knows how to get to us, doesn’t he…and we don’t have to be thinking evil thoughts for this to happen…it’s because he loves it when a distraction is keeping us from paying attention to what we should at the moment. Joyce Meyer wrote a book years ago…”The Battlefield of the Mind”….yep, that’s where the war starts for me. Let me know if you find a solution for this
Thanks for your “thought-provoking” post!…pun, intended!
Hi Debby! Well, I think the only solution is my desire to correct it, armed with the grace to do it. It’s really a choice, don’t you thing? I decide to do two things at once, or tune someone out. Not a good idea, I’m coming to understand!
Battlefield of the Mind is a good title. That’s where all the noise is, that’s for sure. I might have to take a look at that one. Thank you for telling me about it.
Happy Veterans Day!
Ceil
My mom and I were just talking about this very thing the other day. My mom was sharing with me about my dad (who is an interior trim builder) and how he has been coming home after work and talking about beams – not exactly the most exciting topic for a female! haha My mom said all they talk about are beams, beams, and more beams and how easy it is to “zone” out. But she said she came to realize that that’s what my dad loves and it’s what he does for a living so who is she to not listen to the love of her life about the things he does in life. It was a lesson to me because even when I might be listening to someone talk about something that isn’t my “cup of tea” they should still get my full attention. After all, I expect people to listen to me drone on about things that they don’t care for so shouldn’t I do the same for others? Your post was just another sweet reminder to me so thank you, friend. Have a blessed Monday!
Hi Stephanie! I easily connect with the ‘zone out’, and the idea that we should do for each other as we would like others to do for us. Great thought! I should have included it, I didn’t think about that.
I do expect the attention of others when I speak. Gotta remember that courtesy and respect theme.
Say hello to your sweet Mom!
Ceil
Oh yes, Ceil! Let’s hear it for being focused on what is happening right smack dab in front of our noses, what is being spoken, what is unfolding, what requires our thought-filled attention, our tender response.
Love these thoughts today, my friend!
;-}
Hi Linda! I so hope to be more involved in where my body is! And as Stephanie pointed out, it’s good to treat others as I would want to be treated. We all deserve attention and respect.
Thank you for your visit today. I appreciate your blog-friendship!
Ceil
You post the thoughts from my heart and mind; how wonderful it is to read that one isn’t alone in one’s thoughts….wandering or not. Your goal is a worthy one, and I wish you God’s blessings as you achieve it. And, I know that you will….with His help. Lovely being here….always. I look forward to your next post.
Hugs to you,
Jackie
Hi Nana! Thank you for your wishes and blessings that I get to be of one mind and attention. I think my life will be so much happier if I stop and pay attention now, and not blow the chance to learn and enjoy what God gives me now.
Thank you so much for your constant encouragement! You know how much that means when writing, you do that too. Let’s make sure we always check in on each other, ok?
Happy Veterans Day!
Ceil
Distraction.
I personally think the enemy is really good with bomb-sized attacks. But, I really think his best work is done with those pesky, incessant darts of distraction.
It’s hard for me to *live in the moment* and to keep my mind on the things that I should. Praying for the Holy Spirit to continue transforming my mind, and conforming my thoughts to a clearer focus on the proper things.
GOD BLESS!
Hi Sharon! I will join in your prayer, there are many like us. They are pesky! But I hope to get better at not paying attention to those, and getting back to the business at hand.
A clearer focus on the proper things…that’s it!!
Thank you for your comment
Ceil
This really hits home, Ceil, as I am reminded of the other day when I sat at our table using the computer, and my husband sat down and spoke to me. I “heard” him with one ear and even responded to him, but my attention wasn’t really on him. Your words, “Living life fully means living life right now.” are good advice, as is the advice given to “look the person in the eye and take in every word” from Billie Jo. Our little grandson is here and I know he would like me to come and play legos with him, so I am off.
Many blessings to you today!
Laurie
Hi Laurie! How nice to see you here today!
Oh yikes, that is totally me. And not just with my husband either. Could be anyone. I do like Billie Jo’s advice, and I hope to employ it. Have a fun time with the grandson, Nana!
Happy Veterans Day,
Ceil
Hi Ceil, being fully present in the moment is something I’m trying to work on these days as well. So often my mind is far away from I am physically.
Hi Wanda! That’s why I named this post “Where Am I?” My body is here, but where am I really? Working to get that unity is a job, but one that’s so worth it. Just in having to make people repeat what they said alone.
Happy Veterans Day!
Ceil
Yeah..I admit it..I am so guilty of all the above..sad to say. Honestly..I think it is because our brains are wired diff. (lol).- My dad still tells me,”You have way to much useless information going on up there.” Funny, wonder what he means? (more lol)-anyways..I love the quotes..and strive to pay attention..I really do..just sometimes..it is hard to do.Blessings
Hi Linda! Nice new photo!!
No kidding it’s hard to do. I think I get busy on one thing, and have trouble switching gears. I need to try harder! It might not be useless information, but it does distract, that’s for sure
Blessings back to you my friend!
Ceil
oh my this is so so so so true!! thank you so much for this post Ceil!
have a wonderful day!
short sleeved pants
Hi Morgan! So glad you could relate…I think! It just means we both have some work to do
Thank you for visiting today. Happy Veterans Day!
Ceil
Love it! Love how you needed it too! How every moment is a chance to deepen and learn!! Powerful!
Hi Jennifer! So we are alike in being distracted? Good thing we can hold it together long enough to blog, right?
Praying we’ll be paying more attention to our present,
Ceil
I struggle with a wandering mind in church, too. I’m sure it’s a spiritual battle as the evil one tries to distract me from the spiritual truth that’s being presented. He’s already been defeated, but he’s still fighting.
Hi Linda! Church is really the worst time for me. I catch myself thinking of other things…I really don’t like it. I have to be more aware.
Good point about evil, always plugging away. So I should always be on guard.
Happy Veterans Day
Ceil
You were writing about me? It seems my mind is always somewhere else. I’ve sure been working on “living in the moment.” My husband would say I have a ways to go. Well, he’s too kind to tell someone else, but it would be true!
Hi Twin! Hey, my husband would say the same about me, believe it. I guess there are a lot of people in our boat, Pamela. We are all susceptible to being distracted. Thanks for making me feel better, at least we can sit together with Dianna at the ‘distracters anonymous’ meetings
Good to see you! Happy Veterans Day,
Ceil
What a beautiful reminder! The only thing to ignored the distraction is learn to be humble to listen and put attention. I get into this situation many times especially as young people. I’ve been learning this and let my heart be opened to the beautiful things more to listen and put attention the more I find it.
( hehe sorry for my english) but what I wrote above is what I got from your post and it’s blessing share of you to me.
Thanks for sharing…
Actually the way/language your talk in your post sometimes hard for me to absorb and I am afraid to comment if it doesnt sync
Thinking of you Ceil.
Love,
Delvalina
Hi Delvalina! You don’t give yourself enough credit for your English skills. You were very correct in reading the blog today. Absolutely it has a lot to do with humility. That is a great point! Thank you!
If I was more humble, I’d get away from my distraction and listen better to others. Perfect interpretation.
Thank you for struggling with the translations, Delvalina. I love to hear from you, and appreciate the work it takes to read my posts.
Hope you had a good Monday!
Ceil
Amen, Ceil! As the saying goes, “Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery; today is a gift — that’s why we call it the present.” May we be fully aware of each moment, alive in it and attuned to what He is saying to us. Beautiful post.
God bless,
Laurie
Hi Laurie! I like that saying! And I join you in your prayer to be present in the moment. Thank you for your thoughtful and encouraging comment!
Happy Tuesday,
Ceil
Hello Ceil, Now okay do I have your attention?? LOL
It is a real powerful thing to be able to stay in the now, as we are creatures that have had to multi task most of our days. But this was good to be reminded of this for myself. Sometimes while in Church I think now what did he just say?? I am a good note taker, so I think that helps me keep on track at Church. But when the Hubby is talking and I say (what did you just say) Not so good!
Blessings Always, Roxy
Hi Roxy! Nice new photo!
Yes, you have my attention
I have seen others taking notes at church, that’s a good idea to keep on track. Not so sure that would work with my husband though. I think trying to focus and not daydream would be helpful for me.
Thank you for your blessings, and I hope you have a great day!
Ceil
My mind is always going different places at ninety miles an hour! That’s the thinker, planner, and creative part of me. So I’m guilty too of that disconnect. Being in the moment is all I really have, I should be there! (Especially to listen to my husband, Lord knows he listens to me often enough! Ha!)
Hi Peggy! I do think that always having a busy brain causes some of it. Good thought that the ‘moment’ is all I have. Why make it something I don’t remember very well? And I might miss something really important.
Another good point about your husband, and mine. He does listen to me, so I should return that courtesy. You are very wise. Thank you for your comment today!
Ceil
I think the first step to conquering this is recognizing it. I’m learning to, not only BE in the moment, but to REST in the moment knowing the Lord is present in that moment with me. Notice the operative word is learnING
Hi Nan! I like that image of resting in the moment. Oh, I know that we are all learning. No one is perfect. We can only share our faults and take courage that we are all the same, right? And then get back out there and try again!
Good to see you, my friend. Have a good Tuesday!
Ceil
Hey Ceil! I wanted to make sure that you get my comment this time. I wanted to let you know that WE have ALL been there. It took me a long time to stop doing what I call “stinkin’ thinkin'” and realize that God means what He says. It says in His Word that if we come to Him, confess our sins, and REPENT,(turn away from whatever sin we are doing) then He will forgive AND Forget. He will throw those things that we confess to Him into the “sea of forgetfulness” and it will be like they never happened. It finally dawned on me, how can He forget these sins if I keep dredging them back up because “I feel guilty” and undeserving?
Anyway, one day I was sitting there having a pity party, thinking about my past and what I had done, when He spoke to my heart. I feel like He chastized me and said, “first of all, I bought you with a price”. You belong to me. I forgave and forgot. What right do You have to condemn yourself for your past if I don’t? I mean I really felt this strongly in my spirit. Ever since then, when the little devil tries to get me back to “that place”, I remember what God said to me. That is one reason I sit on the front row right in front of the pulpit. I won’t be distracted there, My focus can be completely on God and His messenger. I am not distracted by my thoughts, babies crying or kids getting up and down to get water and go to the bathroom.
It’s just me and God in our own little world. Don’t beat yourself up, just remind yourself what God put in my spirit. I will be here to encourage you. You are an overcomer.
God Bless,
PJ
Hi PJ! I do have “comment moderation” enabled, so you won’t see what you wrote until I do.
It is so good that God is speaking to you and you are listening to the voice. I like your strategy of sitting right up front to block out distractions too. That’s taking real steps to overcome a problem.
My distraction is more inner than outer, but the outer noise doesn’t help, I suppose. I think it’s more like Peggy’s ‘busy brain’. But it all does come down to faith in the fact that the Lord has my circumstance in mind. I don’t need to keep jumping around in my head. Just enjoy where I am right now.
Thank you for your patience in commenting, and for making such a personal, reflective comment. I appreciate it.
Have a good day!
Ceil
I love this Ceil. I am guilty of doing this too. I’ve gotten better with it though. I’ve read a few Joyce Meyer books and she frequently ministers about being present.
I find being present especially important in parenting my children. They need my mind and body when we connect… not just my body. It’s a challenge but through Christ Jesus we can be assured of victory.
Blessings to you and yours this week.
xoxo
Hi Jennifer! You are the second person to talk about Joyce Meyer. I’m going to add her to my book list. I saw her on TV, and she is very down-to-earth person.
No kidding about the parenting, so important to be right there. And it is a challenge to always be there for the littler ones…they need you so much. If we didn’t have faith, where would we be?
Thank you for your blessings. Always needed!!
Ceil
My mind wanders too, and like you, at not the best times.
Working on focusing more and renewing my mind with the Word. I go down too many “what if ” rabbit trails and it’s usually not a good thing. Learning a lot these days. Thank you for sharing.
Have a great rest of the week!
Hi Karen! I am sure you are learning a lot, it’s a busy time for you! And calming with Scripture is a great idea, thank you for mentioning it. Whatever can keep my mind in the right here, and not somewhere else is a good thing!
Thank you for visiting today
Ceil
Ceil, my friend. This really convicted me today as I just spent the last couple of hours wasted on plans for the future…or worrying about the future. That’s for God to worry about. Thank you (again,
)
Hi Kim! I love the way you say ‘that’s for God to worry about’. Not that he does, but that it’s all in his hands anyway. He’s got it, I don’t need to stress. (Even tho sometimes I do anyway..)
Thank you for your constant support of me, my friend,
Ceil
A Great Reminder! Lisa :o)
Hi Lisa! Thank you, I’m glad you can relate. I think we all fall down in this from time to time. Best to just get back up and keep trying!
Hope you had a good day
Ceil
Oh this really spoke to me. My children will say many times they have to speak really loud to get my attention because my focus is completely else where and not where it should be. Great message as always Ceil! I’m so happy to have you linking up for Three Word Wednesday!!
Hi Beth! I did tell you that I wanted to try and link-up today, so I’m glad I could do it. Thank you for your kind comments.
My husband will tell you that my mind is often out of the building when he talks to me. Well, something to work on for sure!
Thank you for your lovely blog-hop!
Ceil
Another post I can relate to, Ceil! My mind is a bit like an untamed animal, tough to rein in sometimes. Trying to live in the present moment is something I have been working on for years..and years…and years…
It was worse though so I guess I should look on the bright side
Hi Mary! I like that image of an untamed animal, Mary. Good one! Of course it can always be worse, as you said, and I’m sure it has been for me. I’ll just keep working on it, and with a little grace, I’ll improve!
Thank you for visiting!
Ceil