The other evening I met an Asian gentleman. His name was Carl with Sass. Despite his name, he was extremely kind and wise. I had quite a conversation with him. He had learned that I was being quite unpresent. Is that a word? I don’t think so, but let’s just go with it. Let’s just say, I haven’t been as present on the Race the last few days, as I should. So we shall call it unpresent.
As I talked to him, he told me how being unpresent is in a sense being prideful. I looked at him with a big question mark hovering over my head. He lost me. What does pride and being present have to do with each other? Then he explained. When we are not present, we are telling God and ourselves for that matter that we are too good for our present situation. We think we are better than our present circumstances. He had me there. While I have thoroughly enjoyed being abroad the last few months, I find that is it my natural tendency to think ahead. I find myself daydreaming of the job I will have when I get back, what my reunion with my family will look like, and how life will look for me when I return. This is absurd! I have been living life in some pretty incredible places the last 4 months and I still am headed to the beauty of Asia and Africa. I need to be present.
Carl’s parting words to me were for me to remain focused on where I am and what I am doing. So I extend his words to you. Remain focused on where you are and what you’re doing. Be present in trials, in tribulation, in good, in bad. In the tough days at work, the hard days at the gym, and even looking to good times ahead. Don’t be too prideful in thinking that you’re better than your circumstances, because we aren’t. Just be grateful for a new day that our Heavenly Father has given us regardless of what it brings. Remain present, with the present of today that has been given to us.
Carl spoke to me the words of God I needed to hear about being present. Carl was truly a wise man. I am really glad I met Carl, and remembered to write his words down after I woke up…
