“We must learn to live each day, each hour, yes, each minute as a new beginning, as a unique opportunity to make everything new. Imagine that we could live each moment as a moment pregnant with new life. Imagine that we could live each day as a day full of promises. Imagine that we could walk through the new year always listening to the voice saying to us: ‘I have a gift for you and can’t wait for you to see it!’ Imagine” (Henri Nouwen, You are the Beloved).

Let’s practice living each minute as a new beginning.  Let’s imagine living each day as a day full of promises. Let’s receive each gift God wants to give us. Here are some ideas to help us be fully present to God.

♥ While doing a task, turn off any background noise and choose to ignore any activity around you.  Continue the task by offering it to God.  Be in the present, doing what you are doing with a listening heart.  What is this like for you?  What distracts you?

♥ Make the time you spend in the shower or bath tub your alone time with God.  Present yourself to your Creator – all of your body, including all of the dirt that has accumulated in your soul.. Let the water remind you of the water of life that nourishes and changes you. Let the warmth of the water touch you with love. Offer yourself to God for the day.  Thank God for the alone time he spends with you.

♥ Set aside fifteen minutes for a time of thanksgiving.  Thank God for everything you can think of.

♥ Make something.  Draw or paint a picture.  Write a poem. Bake a cake. Refinish an old piece of furniture.  Sew or knit or quilt.  Be aware of the presence and creative power of the Holy Spirit as you create.

♥ Choose a day to do everything in honor of God.  As you drive your car, answer the phone, visit social media, greet people, or stand in line, act in a way that would reflect and honor God. Remember that God is the only audience that matters; let the fact that God is watching and listening guide your behavior.

As you do these activities, watch for the gift God is giving you in the moment.  Rejoice in the experience of making all things new.