The Lost Art of Being Present

Have you ever noticed that you are more aware of what’s happening in the world, than you are with what’s happening in your very own neighborhood? I have.

I have an obsession with reading the news, especially global news each and every morning. And while I believe it’s important and even necessary to stay informed by current global affairs, I think in many ways it’s replaced my sensitivity for what’s going on right here in my very own backyard - my local community.⠀⠀
I think one of the dangers of a globalized digital world is that we can become numb to the present and temporal realities in which we already work, play and live.

I live in Portland, not Bangkok, Paris, or Kansas City. And it’s easy for me to overlook the needs of my own community because my mind and attention is routinely focused elsewhere.

God hasn’t called me to Japan or North Korea. He has called me to live & to be in a very specific place, at very specific time, in a very specific neighborhood, all with very real needs and very pressing issues.

I must choose to practice the lost way of remaining present - which is the way of Jesus - despite the incessant distraction to “live” and “be” elsewhere with each and every passing moment if I am to truly bring God’s Kingdom to earth HERE & NOW.