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The Life in Front of You – Formed for This · Still, Here

• 0:01
  SPEAKER_00: This is still here.
• 0:04
  SPEAKER_00: A quiet moment to remember what is true.
• 0:08
  SPEAKER_00: Sometimes I think we underestimate the importance of ordinary days.
• 0:14
  SPEAKER_00: Most of our lives aren't filled with dramatic moments.
• 0:18
  SPEAKER_00: They are filled with things like getting ready for work,
• 0:22
  SPEAKER_00: answering messages, paying bills, making dinner, checking on someone.
• 0:30
  SPEAKER_00: Or finishing a task we'd rather not have to do.
• 0:35
  SPEAKER_00: And sometimes those ordinary responsibilities feel like obstacles standing
• 0:40
  SPEAKER_00: between us and the more meaningful life we'd like to live.
• 0:45
  SPEAKER_00: We think about the things we want to accomplish.
• 0:49
  SPEAKER_00: The contributions we'd like to make.
• 0:52
  SPEAKER_00: The difference we'd like our lives to have made.
• 0:56
  SPEAKER_00: And meanwhile, there are dishes in the sink.
• 1:00
  SPEAKER_00: Someone needs our attention.
• 1:02
  SPEAKER_00: Something needs to be repaired.
• 1:05
  SPEAKER_00: And we wonder where the larger purpose of our lives has gone.
• 1:10
  SPEAKER_00: Paul offers a beautifully simple instruction in the book of Colossians chapter 3 verse 17.
• 1:19
  SPEAKER_00: Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
• 1:26
  SPEAKER_00: Whatever you do.
• 1:29
  SPEAKER_00: Not merely the important things.
• 1:31
  SPEAKER_00: Not only the visible things.
• 1:34
  SPEAKER_00: Not just the moments when we feel especially spiritual.
• 1:39
  SPEAKER_00: Whatever you do.
• 1:41
  SPEAKER_00: Paul is reminding us that the life of Christ can become visible through ordinary things of life.
• 1:50
  SPEAKER_00: Over the years,
• 1:51
  SPEAKER_00: I've known people whose lives made an enormous difference
• 1:54
  SPEAKER_00: without attracting much attention.
• 1:58
  SPEAKER_00: A husband faithfully caring for his wife through a long illness.
• 2:03
  SPEAKER_00: A daughter making another trip to help an aging parent.
• 2:08
  SPEAKER_00: A nurse who takes an extra moment with a frightened patient.
• 2:12
  SPEAKER_00: Someone who notices that a friend has grown quiet and takes the time to ask
• 2:18
  SPEAKER_00: if everything is okay.
• 2:21
  SPEAKER_00: None of those moments is likely to make headlines.
• 2:25
  SPEAKER_00: But I've watched what happens when someone is genuinely present.
• 2:30
  SPEAKER_00: A frightened person relaxes.
• 2:33
  SPEAKER_00: Someone who feels invisible realizes they matter.
• 2:38
  SPEAKER_00: A difficult day becomes a little more bearable.
• 2:42
  SPEAKER_00: And sometimes, that small expression of love is what a person remembers years later.
• 2:50
  SPEAKER_00: I think that's worth recognizing.
• 2:52
  SPEAKER_00: The significance of your life isn't measured only by what you accomplish.
• 2:58
  SPEAKER_00: It is revealed by the way people experience your presence.
• 3:03
  SPEAKER_00: So, perhaps today isn't about doing something extraordinary.
• 3:09
  SPEAKER_00: Perhaps it's about becoming more fully present to what is already yours.
• 3:16
  SPEAKER_00: There may be someone you can encourage.
• 3:19
  SPEAKER_00: Something you can do with care.
• 3:22
  SPEAKER_00: A responsibility that deserves your best attention.
• 3:26
  SPEAKER_00: Or a limit you need to honor because you've been trying to do too much.
• 3:33
  SPEAKER_00: You don't have to turn every ordinary moment into a great spiritual achievement.
• 3:39
  SPEAKER_00: Just bring yourself to it.
• 3:41
  SPEAKER_00: Bring patience.
• 3:43
  SPEAKER_00: Bring honesty.
• 3:45
  SPEAKER_00: Bring kindness.
• 3:46
  SPEAKER_00: And when you don't have much left to give...
• 3:49
  SPEAKER_00: Remember that receiving care and rest is also part of being human.
• 3:56
  SPEAKER_00: The life in front of you matters, and your presence within it can make a difference.
• 4:04
  SPEAKER_00: Take a moment for this prayer of presence.
• 4:08
  SPEAKER_00: Lord Jesus, help me recognize the value of the life you have entrusted to me.
• 4:15
  SPEAKER_00: Open my eyes to the people I might otherwise overlook and to opportunities
• 4:20
  SPEAKER_00: for kindness hidden within ordinary responsibilities.
• 4:25
  SPEAKER_00: Give me the grace to be fully present, to love well, and to recognize when I need to rest.
• 4:34
  SPEAKER_00: Let your life become visible through mine.
• 4:38
  SPEAKER_00: Amen.
• 4:41
  SPEAKER_00: As you return to your day, carry this prayer with you.
• 4:47
  SPEAKER_00: Christ lives in me.
• 4:51
  SPEAKER_00: Love lives through me.
• 4:52
  [music]
• 5:11
  SPEAKER_00: Christ lives in me.
• 5:15
  SPEAKER_00: Love lives through me.
• 5:22
  SPEAKER_00: Until next time, stay steady, stay open, stay present.
• 5:28
  SPEAKER_00: You are still here.
• 5:30
  [music]