Think of the number and variety of expressions (ranging from philosophical statements to everyday cliches) that convey the same message as this week's Old Testament Lesson from Genesis. Jacob said: "Surely the Lord is in this place and I didn't know it." We don't appreciate the depth and scope of an experience until after the fact. We don't know the beauty and preciousness of a relationship until it is history. We don't see God's action until we look backwards. Hindsight is 20/20.
Yet, just because there are so many quips and quotes about our habitual blindness to the beauty of NOW, do we need to abandon all hope of acquiring a more accurate view (and deeper appreciation) of what is going on?
I don't think so.
What would it be like if once an hour you took a minute to breathe and remind yourself: "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I know it!"
What difference would it make if you looked at whomever or whatever is sharing this place and space and asked yourself: What is God doing here? How is God seeing this?
Don't get me wrong. I do acknowledge the value of reflecting upon the past. I love the gift of memory (at least most of the time!)
However..... I do believe the present contains potential for love and purpose and meaning and beauty that we can access right now.
Give it a try. Let me know what you see!
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