I have to confess that, sometimes, I have a hard time being totally present with the person or in the place that I am. Instead, I find myself thinking about chores still to be done, what I will say next in the conversation, or where I have to rush off to next. However, I became aware recently of an activity in which I found myself totally present: weeding.
One afternoon, I spent some time in a row of onions overgrown by some weeds. It was during this time that I found myself totally present in the activity; there was no thought of anything else. I forgot about my “to do” list or what would be happening the next day. My mind was nowhere else.
As I pulled the weeds, I noticed the detail of each—the shape of the leaves, the length of the roots, their color. As my hands began to get dirty, I smelled the freshness of the earth. As I worked, I felt the wind blow and the warmth of the sun, and I heard the sounds all around. Then, I noticed her watching me, something my otherwise busy mind would not have paid any attention to.
She was as ordinary as I was, but at the same time very beautiful. She would move almost in synch with me as I moved down the row. My activity did not seem to bother her as she sat very still a few feet away. For whatever reason, she shared this time with me, and, because I was totally present, I noticed.
On this day of thanksgiving, as you spend time with family and friends, I invite you to really be present. Don’t think about the things still left to do at work or that you have to hurry off to Aunt "Suzy's". Instead, as you share a meal together, reconnect with those you love. As you play with the children, let yourself get lost in their world for a while. As you spend time outside, observe creation all around you. If you do, I think, at the end of the day, you will be able to say, “I have seen remarkable things today.”
The weeding of that onion row ended way too soon. As I stood up, the moth, sensing my disconnect, flew up and faded into the distance. As I watched her fly away, I felt grateful for her presence that day. Maybe she had been there a number of other times as I worked, but, that day, I was there with her as well.
I hope that this Thanksgiving Day I find myself really present with those I love. My prayer is that you can do the same.
I am often overwhelmed with the anticipation of things that need to be done rather than relishing the present. For me I think it has become a habit from my job. Thank you for the important reminder to spend a little more time living in the moment.
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