No matter your hopes, no matter your dreams, learn to lean into the now. Though you may be more excited about what’s coming, discover how to create excitement in where you currently are.
This can be a constant challenge, a constant opportunity to practice faith. Being content and enjoying where God currently has you doesn’t mean you’ve given up on your dreams or let go of the vision of what’s ahead. Rather it helps you grow your faith by signaling that whatever God’s plan, you will lean into the now.
Hallmark Moments
As you have probably caught on, I’m a fan of Hallmark movies, especially the ones that have more complex storylines, good humor, and better acting. I really enjoy a sweet story, a glimpse of someone’s life, and then seeing it all come together in a way only a movie can (literally!).
And yet, I can’t help but look around at my life and see the perfect ingredients for a Hallmark movie. I have the sweetest family, I work in a picturesque downtown with my sister, and we have the prettiest shops on the street that are literally filled fuller than a Hallmark movie set with beautiful merchandise (am I the only one who thinks Hallmark decor is overkill? lol).
Bits and pieces of my days can even feel like scenes from a Hallmark movie you’d want to watch – complete with a fun and adorable girl helping me at the coffee shop. So one day, I looked around and decided we needed to decorate the shop for the holidays in true Hallmark form. I mean, might as well embrace it, right?
Somehow when I remember to lean into the now, I enjoy it more. The quiet Sunday mornings, the Saturday evenings with just my parents and I watching a Hallmark, the full week of beautiful work. And true, some days are not at all Hallmark themed. We have occasional customers who ruin the vibe, but on the whole, this is a beautiful time and I want to be sure I make the most of it.
The time is going to pass right where God has us. Let’s learn to lean into the now and make the most of it!
Beautiful Life
I can’t think of a better way to honor God and show gratitude towards those around us then to lean into the now. This doesn’t require us to give up on any dreams or quit hoping for anything, but rather challenges us to make the most of where we are! And when we make the most of where we are, we will begin to discover what a beautiful life we live!
Look around you today and decide what slight changes you might make to better enjoy where you currently are and what you do. Thank God for where He has you and ask Him for opportunities to be a light for Him.
I’ve been working on the same thing. After wrapping up election season, I’m grateful to be going into the holiday season because I could almost feel a bit at loose ends. Not because I don’t have work to do, but rather because I’m not slammed with it like I have been for the last few weeks. So now I am trying to be at peace with the calm, lean in and listen for what God has for me next, and be grateful for this beautiful life that I now have a better chance to enjoy!
I want to be sure I make good use of this time. Switching gears can be hard for me, but at the same time, I’m so grateful for different seasons!
Lean Into The Now
This might sound a little corny, but pretend where you feel stuck is a storyline in a movie or book and you are the main character – how would you embellish this part of the story to make it more attractive or enjoyable? Figure out how to add a bit of interest to your life in a way that feeds your soul.
For me, it has involved trying a new line of hair products and getting a fun book to read. Research is free – if you have a pet peeve that is bugging you, do some research and see what you can do about it. I wasn’t thrilled with how my hair looked stressed out (can’t think of how else to describe it), so I did research over the course of a few weeks and found a line of hair products that might help address it.
And do you know, that has been a highlight of my evenings – getting home and using them! It might sound simple, but little things like that can really boost our self perception and that in turn can really boost our joy!
What does it look like to you to lean into the now? Where does God have you? Does it feel like you’ve been there forever? You are not alone, I promise. And I can reassure you there is a very good purpose. Let me encourage you to refresh your paradigm of where you are so that you can better lean into the now!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2024/11/20/dream-big-again/