Presence

There is a danger in getting caught in the chaos du jour.  As important being in the present is, it is not just about the moment.  Living in the present is at the heart of what it means to be really alive  This means we appreciate the transient nature of life around us, treasuring the wonder and beauty that life gives us  This means that we remember how God has been with us, knowing we are secure in arms of grace in the moment at hand.  This means that we look forward, embracing hope and the unknown with equal enthusiasm.    Today's chaos of the moment will pass, yet the question of how we respond to the moment at hand will remain.
It is the question of responding to the present and the Presence that often drifts out of our sight.  Getting caught up in the swirl of today's demands is a fact of your life and mine.  Finding one's soul bruised and battered by stressed relationships is normal, not exceptional.  Struggling with the uncertainty of the future as we lose sight of the past is often the direct result of being overwhelmed by the demands, obligation, and commitments of the moment. 
Ironically I often find my reaction making everything worse.  Self raises its ugly head and greed takes over.  Losing sight of my true foundation allows pride and arrogance to take control.  Even the simple aspect of being loses ground to action.
God offers us some simple advice.  “Look ahead: I'm sending Elijah the prophet to clear the way for the Big Day of God-the decisive Judgment Day!  He will convince parents to look after their children and children to look up to their parents.  If they refuse, I'll come and put the land under a curse.”  (Malachi 4.5, 6)  The advice does not end here.  We are invited to embrace compassion.  We are given gifts of mercy that we can in turn give away.  We are offered a Spirit guide to clarify the darkness.  God's presence is here, living within your life and mine.