Live in the Present Moment

We are too often thinking of the future. Making to-do lists, scheduling appointments and planning family events seem to occupy a lot of our time. Yes, it's a necessary part of daily life, but future planning can be overly consuming of our thoughts -- or down right overwhelming. Even after we plan and prepare, we spend extra time worrying and anticipating the outcome.

How important it is to stop. Breathe. Listen to our hearts. Take a few minutes to sit quietly and focus on now, this very moment. You may not be calm or happy or pleased with this very minute, but that's OK. It is yours. It is a gift from God.

Saint Faustina wrote in her diary:

"O Jesus, I want to live in the present moment, to live as if this were the last day of my life. I want to use every moment scrupulously for the greater glory of God, to use every circumstance for the benefit of my soul. I want to look upon everything from the point of view that nothing happens without the will of God. God of unfathomable mercy, embrace the whole world and pour Yourself out upon us through the merciful Heart of Jesus." (Diary entry 1183)

"The silent soul is capable of attaining the closest union with God. It lives almost always under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. God works in a silent soul without hindrance." (Diary entry 477)