Yes, I hear it too. That is a Heartbeat.

I was humbled this morning when I read Proverbs 27:1 "Don't boast about tomorrow, for your don't know what a day might bring."

Recently, I have realized that my life has been caught up in the future, in my plans. There have been college applications to fill out, my mom is getting married, I am moving to a new city, I may get to go to France. The majority of my thoughts have been dominated by the things to come.

I had a moment of clarity this morning as I began to realize that I was planning on living a certain way, planning on loving a certain way, changing in the future, but I was almost on autopilot. When I allowed myself to get caught up in where I will be in a month, two, or six, I didn't focus on the day before me and the grace that had been allotted. I am breathing, I woke up this morning, and my heart is beating. Oh there it goes again. What precious time I have been given, and I do not want to waste it by not being present in it.

This inspired a new year's resolution. I do not want to have my cell phone out in social circumstances. It is a pet peeve of mine and I want to be fully present in all encounters in order to best utilize the opportunities given to me by the Lord. If I know that the purpose of my life is to love God and to love people, then my phone is not as important.

About a week ago, I had a day where I allowed myself to plan nothing, but kind of wander, just to see where I would end up and who I would meet. I went to an estate sale, I meandered through downtown, and I slept on a bench in a public park. After this, I went to a coffee shop to sit and read. After 5 minutes, a man introduced himself as Francis. He had studied in Oxford and was home for the holidays. I was able to share Christ with him and share part of my story. He had to leave after 30 minutes, but as I continued to sit there, the lady across from me, having overheard the conversation, then began to ask me questions. We talked about Christ and his incredible work in our lives for some time after that and then exchanged contact information. I left that coffee shop praising God for his awesome power and love, and how he desires to use someone like me.

So, resolved as I am to be fully present, I am eager to see the Lord work in my willing body.