Build Where You Are!

Build where you currently are. These are the words that the Prophet Jeremiah shares with the nation of Israel during their exile in Babylon. Build where you are. Create a life that works for you because you are going to be here for awhile. Quit pining for what was or could be and deal with what is. Amazing how thousands of years later, we still need to hear these words spoken to us. How often do we wait for some future time in order to be happy? Or wish for what was? How much time do we waste, how much energy do we needlessly expend, and how many opportunities do we miss because we are so busy looking behind us at something that was or off in the distance towards something we can’t see? Instead, we should build where you currently are.

In some ways, however, this advice smacks against our current society. We are constantly encouraged to examine our past, look for trends, and learn from them. If we can reconcile our childhood experiences we can finally be happy. Or we are told that we should always have our eye on our future goal, because if we don’t have goals and objectives, we will never accomplish our greatest dreams. Our entire society seems to be based on the performance appraisal: what did you accomplish this past year and what do you want to accomplish in the next? But what about now? Do we really take the time to appreciate right now?

The Eastern religions get this. The Buddhists talk about the importance of mindfulness. They teach us to allow our minds and bodies to fully celebrate what is happening at the current moment; breathe – smells – touch – sounds. It all makes so much sense. We miss so much when our minds are distracted by watching the movies of the past or writing the script of the future. By focusing on the present, we give ourselves the gift of presence. We give ourselves the gift of openness to receive the presence of the Spirit. It’s through the Spirit that we can build where we currently are, to focus on the present needs of our neighbors. It’s through the Spirit that we can love our neighbor fully and freely without the baggage of past or future. The Spirit allows us to see and respond to the current needs of the world around us. Be present in the present . . .and be joyful where you are. After all, you are going to be where you are for awhile.