Did you know to remain present in a conversation or event it takes intention?  Throughout my life I’ve been aware that I have the tendency to live for tomorrow.  I can rush through what’s happening today because I am preparing for tomorrow.  Can you relate?  I wonder how many things I’ve missed out on over the years by not being fully engaged in the present.  If you dig down underneath that coping mechanism, you will probably find a false belief that sounds like this:  “Everything is up to me, so I have to get going and make sure I am prepared for what might come.”  If that is you, do yourself a favor.  Sit quietly and ask God how or when that belief started in your life.  All false beliefs go back to an event in our life when our little child mind took on that false belief.

I’ve been growing a lot lately.  As sociable as I appear, I can feel disconnected.  In counseling recently, I realized that self- protection is the obstacle to feeling connected.  I love the way my friend brings this to our attention.  She asks: “What did you take on as a child that no longer serves you?”  Some of us had no choice but to self- protect if no one was protecting us.  However, we can only let go of self -protection if we trust our Heavenly Father to look out for us and be our protection.  Does this mean I will never be hurt?  No, it doesn’t, but it does mean I will survive, and I will never be alone.  Jesus lives in me and promises to never leave me or forsake me.

I recently went to a doctor who ordered a lot of lab work.  I was struggling with several things and when she got my results back, she said, “No wonder you are struggling!”  She said to me, “Rebekah, you are sitting there looking calm, but your body thinks you are running from a tiger.  You must remain in fight or flight.”  I immediately thought about the book, “The Body Keeps the Score.”  Most of you that have heard my story know that I am a survivor of childhood trauma.  I have come a LONG way emotionally and spiritually through years of therapy, but my body seems to be lagging behind.  I need to learn how to “be present” and take deep breaths and relax.  How about you?  Is your body keeping score?

There’s no better time than Christmas to stay in the present and be engaged.  You may not suffer from fight or flight mentality, but don’t let busyness or worry make you miss the richness of this sacred holiday.  It’s about Jesus, family, togetherness, celebration, and yes, a child’s wonder. Oh, come let us adore Him!  There is JOY that came to the world!  Because Jesus came to earth to provide a way for reconciliation to a Holy God, we can express gratitude and adoration.  We can slow down and enjoy the season.