While praying for this time around in Uganda, God gave me two words over and over:
"Be present."
"But God, I'm always present."
After I mutter those words, I laugh at myself. Alexus, you're never present.
The reality of the Western culture is that a majority of us never live in the present. We are concerned about the past, or anxious about the future. That person we pass on the street that we haven't seen in years? We tell them it's "good to see" them and run off to our next meeting.
I am so guilty of this.
Living in America has taught me to be time orientated; and while that has given me an abundance of professional opportunities, I lose all the time I've "saved" when I don't live in the present.
Even while I'm here in Uganda, my American instincts kick in:
"What time are we leaving?"
"What time are we getting back?"
"When is that meeting?"
"How long will it take?"
"What internship will I take this fall?"
"How much money do I need to make in order to match my school payments?"
Until Uganda gives me a gentle slap, reminding me to be where I am.
I don't want to miss these moments. Every step I take on a red, dirt road needs to be intentional. Every person I talk to deserves my time regardless of what I need to do next. Every moment I spend waiting, is a moment I can look around and thank God for placing me where I am.
Nothing is wasted in time spent waiting.
