Right Now

Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.
-Jim Elliot

     Two months ago to the day we had just said “goodbye” at the airport, navigated security with our carryons and children and were en-route to Nairobi. Our hearts were eagerly anticipating language school, Sudan, and what God had for us in this year. Two weeks later we were celebrating Christmas, still in Nairobi, and knew that whatever the year held it did not include any of the plans we were so eagerly anticipating. It is so easy for me (Abook) to be so eagerly look ahead to the next step, the next goal, the next dream that I miss what God has for me in the present. Our time here in Nairobi is drawing to a close and in a week and half we will be once again in the air, this time anticipating settling into South Sudan to learn language in Melut. Once again I find my mind racing with dreams, goals, possibilities and eager anticipation but I am praying that these dreams will not hinder what God has for me in the present.

        Right now, I have four children who are anxiously awaiting Daddy’s arrival after almost three weeks away. Today, right now how can I show them they are loved, and teach them of God. Right now, I have teammates who can be blessed, by words of encouragement, babysitting, smiles and food. Right now, I can pray for my brothers and sisters who are suffering in South Sudan. Right now I can pray for wisdom and knowledge of who God is. Right now I can hang laundry, wash dishes and seek the face of God. Right now there are neighbors who are tired, sad and stressed and would like an ear to listen and a friend to pray for them. Right now there are children outside who I can bless with a smile. Right now I am a part of a church that I can participate in…all this right now.

        My prayer for the next week and half is that I will fully embrace the right now (for there is plenty in it to fill a day) and that I will not miss what God has for me, and the way he wants to refine me in the moment by anticipating the future. My prayer is that right now I will know God more.