How to live in the present moment
Gazing out my window for the second day in a row, I watch storm clouds building in the west. Dark and brooding, they roll in with the low rumble of thunder. Maybe today they’ll finally break, bringing refreshing rain to the dry grass in our gardens and parks.
Some storms are welcome. They bring relief from the heat, much-needed rain, and even the wild beauty of lightning flashing across the sky, followed by thunder that rattles the windows. From the safety of our well-roofed homes, we can watch and marvel, knowing the storm will soon pass.
Other storms, however, bring danger and unpredictability. Wild winds and heavy rain can damage crops, roads, and homes, and for those caught outdoors, travelling, or without shelter, storms can be frightening and unsafe.
Whether we welcome or fear a storm often depends on our circumstances, our past experiences, and our present needs. The same can be said of the storms of life. At times, life’s storms may bring pain, disruption, or loss. At other times, they may bring cleansing, change, or even restoration.
The storm I was watching has now moved on. Blue sky has returned, and the sound of birdsong fills the air again. Only a few drops of rain fell—enough to tease a dry and thirsty landscape but not enough to renew it.
It made me pause and think sometimes what we fear doesn’t come to pass. And sometimes what we long for doesn’t arrive in the way we expect.
The challenge is learning how to live in the present moment—with hope. This means holding the tension between unmet needs and past disappointments while remaining open to the possibility of change, growth, and unexpected renewal.
Reflective Questions
When you think back, what have past “storms of life” looked like for you?
Do you tend to hide, hold on, or hope when challenges arrive? Why do you think that is?
How have your past experiences of disappointment, loss, or unmet needs shaped the way you face new challenges?
What fears tend to rise in you when uncertainty or change approaches?
Can you recall a time when something you dreaded turned out better than you expected?
What helps you find steadiness when life feels unpredictable or overwhelming?
How do you balance being realistic about difficulties while still leaving room for hope?
If you imagined this current “storm” in your life eventually passing, what would you like to see restored or renewed afterward?
