When DO you get your ticket?

​Dear Why Team members,

I hope this weeks message finds you well and encouraged.

...And If not so much, you might want to consider the Power of NOW.  Many years ago I read a book titled "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle.  The book speaks to a profound truth that life can only be lived in the present moment.  That what is real, is always right now.  Everything else exists in the mind.  Past and future reflected and created by the mind, and often in conflict with the truth found in the now.  This important awareness is not...

...anything new and can be found in many spiritual teachings.  Such as the day has troubles enough of its own, worry not about tomorrow.  This is not to preclude the importance of planning, but rather not to allow fears about tomorrow to limit the gifts given to us today.  In times of heightened uncertainty, when so many things in our life seem to be going in directions we had not planned, it can be very unsettling.  But most of that feeling of discomfort is mind generated into shoulda, coulda, woulda's and what if's and if that then maybe that and what will I do if that happens?  If what happens?  If that thing I'm afraid of happens, what then?  

I remember reading a story about a father who was comforting his child in regard to the unknown future.  He said to his child, when we go to the airport to fly to another city, when does Dad give you your ticket? The child said, when I need it to board the flight.  He said yes, and that is what will happen when you arrive at that unknown future, you will receive what you need then, not now.  This faith, often referred to as grace, is sufficient if we can but lean into the belief and trust that we will receive what we need when we most need it, and not before we do.  As in, I will cross that bridge when I come to it, not now in my mind.  So much of our pain is self inflicted by our primordial minds that can believe the best course of action is not just to prepare, but to worry.  Preparation is positive prudent action, worry is largely thought generated debilitation void of trust, faith and confidence.  

To escape past and future minded torture, return to the glorious present.  It is said that God is found in the moment in which you awaken to this very moment.  Every given moment, given to us and enjoyed only if we open the best present of all, the present.  It's why opening a present is often more joyful than the gift within.  It's in the opening that WE are most present.  It's the feeling we get when intensely working out or participating in a sport that takes all our focus and attention.  In those moments we are free of past and future mindedness.  There is peace in the moment, if we would but just stop and name that which is in our current environment.  Run through all five of your senses and give them exercise in the here and now, and see if that doesn't give you some freedom from any thought generated regret or fear about the unknown.  Knowledge is helpful, but it is never enough alone to bring peace, because there is always the unknown, and by definition, it cannot be known.  And in that place is both the mystery and the beauty of life.  How we face the unknown is our choice.  With fear, dread and paralyzingly anxiety or with faith, confidence and the awareness that we will get what we need when we most need it.  In the meantime, this day is the day in which we can rejoice.  Today has gifts enough to lift our spirit.  Today we breathe again and have opportunities to lift up and serve others that no doubt will do the same for us.  

Today we can make the most of our life and not waste it worrying over that in which we have no control.  Tolstoy said now is the only place in which we have any power.  Be more present and you will be more of what you and others need now.  Make the best of this very moment, this given moment, and find this will do more to positively influence the future than any worry could accomplish.  Leaders go first.  Be present to the gift of NOW and you'll be even more at peace and present for those around you.  There is no greater gift to others than your precious presence.  May you leverage the Power of Now with faith in the future to make it a great week.

Make it a great week.
​
Steve Luckenbach