Which way are you looking? Here and now – 29 March 2023

It is an art to balance everything in life! We must be constantly aware of everything that is going on around us. We must plan and think about the future, and prepare for unforeseen circumstances. And then, there’s the whole carpe diem “thing” too. Most of us made a New Year’s resolution to be more present and live in the moment. Yes, a fine balance if you ask me.

The thing that makes it so difficult to maintain balance these days is the loads of information we are constantly bombarded with. We barely open our eyes, then we start scrolling through our mobile phones. Whether you’re reading news or looking at social media, scrolling is scrolling and the information is endless. When you get into your car, you turn on the radio. In the evening, you watch the news on the television and, on top of that, there are a variety of channels and streaming services that all compete for your attention with different movies, series and documentaries.

There are days when I just want to say: enough! Information overload!

We are all juggling balls in the air. It is so exhausting with everything else going on around us.

Isn’t it time we start forcing ourselves to turn off the “noise” around us? How are we supposed to be present and live in the moment when our attention is constantly in so many different places? It is good to think about the future. It is good to think back sometimes. However, we must also give ourselves a chance to carpe diem. We must give ourselves the space and the time to live in the moment.

God gives us a new day as a gift. Every day is a chance to start over, whether it’s a cliché or not. What things are a priority for you today? What moments do you want to soak in, cherish or even celebrate today? Carpe diem!

Prayer: Dear Lord, the world and all the information we are confronted with daily can be so overwhelming. Help me to organise my thoughts. Help me to focus today on the things that bring me joy. Help me to seize this day, which is a gift from you, and make the best of it. Amen