Then the One seated on the throne said, "Look! I am making everything new." Revelation 21:5

What a refreshing verse. In the midst of change it is so great to hear that He is making all things new. 

I'm currently reading a book called The End of Me by Kyle Idleman. Not an easy read. Sure, the font is large and the pages aren't big, but the content is convicting. It's about giving up me so that I can truly live the life Jesus wants me to live. If you've read any of my past blog posts, you know that I am a self-proclaimed selfish person. Who isn't? But what I am striving for is total surrender and obedience, to forget me for a while and focus on what's really important. 

My favorite part about this striving thing is that even though I take three steps forward and five steps back, I am seeing progress. I am noticing that I care a little more about the important things and a little less about the selfish things. I am slowly being made new. I guess you could say that's the silver-lining to an otherwise painful process. Stripping away self-centeredness is not pretty. Looking back on the first legs of this journey is rewarding, though, because I can see the "new" shining through. 

Bloom where God has planted you. Be present.

                                                                          

I will admit that I fall victim to distractions. When I'm having a conversation with someone in person, a vibrate from my phone temps me to check who's texting me. When I'm watching a movie, a slow part begs me to see what I'm missing on social media. During a sermon, my short attention tells me to check the time on my phone.

In light of the life-changes coming my way, I am reminded that I must remain present. I get so easily distracted by budgets and plane tickets. I find myself daydreaming about my new apartment, coworkers, public transportation, and coffee shops. I try to imagine what my daily routine will look like. I wonder if I'll be able to learn the language and establish meaningful relationships.

While all those things are good and normal, I also want to balance my future planning with my current living. I still hold a job in a career that is emotionally taxing, I am involved in ministry at a church that I dearly love, and I have lots and lots of family and friends that need me to be present. I feel like a senior in high school. I can see the end and I am quite tired of my current state and want what's new. What I don't want to do is to look back on my last few months of "normal" life and wish I had savored it longer.

I have no idea where this journey will take me. I may never return to live and work in my hometown. I may never live 7 miles from my parents and grandparents again. I am learning the balance of responsibly planning for my ever-changing future and living in the moment.

Be present.