Faith Like a Flashlight by Lydia Perry

"So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil. Matthew 6:31-34

"As to the past, Let us entrust it to God’s mercy, the future to Divine Providence. Our task is to live holy the present moment."-St. Gianna Molla

We all hear about the benefits of living in the present moment. Don’t dwell on the past; don’t get distracted on the future; just focus on the right decisions you can make at this moment. That all sounds well and good, but putting it into practice can take extensive mental exercise. It has been easier for me to sit and dwell about 1000 different minute decisions and contemplations about specific events. “How do I do this right?” “How did I do that wrong?” “How could I have changed the past?” It’s easy for me to obsess over minute situations. Whether I realize it or not, the real question I’m asking myself is, “How do I continue to feed my pride?”  “What do I have to do to make history turn out the way I want it to?” If I dwell on past mistakes, it will only feed my pride of thinking I can fix situations and reactions of the past and future. If there’s one recurring event I have seen throughout my life, it’s pride.

I’m an extremely visual person. God many times has to speak to me in images to get my attention. Recently, I have discovered that my season in life is similar to walking at night with a flashlight. The only perception I can see right now is what is lit up in front of me. The distractions from the back, sides, and distance are hidden from me. I have taken that visualization and harnessed it close in my day-to-day life. I am immersed in the little trinity of light that is in front of me at the present moment. This image is not solely for me, though. This message is essential for all who are seeking freedom in Christ. Part of letting ourselves go means letting go of my ability to overthink and control every aspect of my life. That is an everyday surrender. I may not make perfect decisions in the future, but I’m not worrying about my future actions. I am focused on today.

And really, this specific type of darkness itself is a blessing. A good friend reminded me that darkness is not always a metaphor for evil things. Darkness is necessary in life. It makes the light shine even more. It creates shadows. It makes the candles we light beautiful. We both need darkness and light in our journey of life. Without darkness, all we have is our own prideful way of living in an artificial form of light. When we are encompassed in darkness, the light within us shines even brighter. Embrace the strains of life with full strength. Christ will be by your side. Those spiritual weights will carry you farther if you take them on with Christ in the present moment.The path is laid before us for a reason. We are being prepared for greater hills, valleys, and joys. All I have control of is this present moment: this present light that is before me. And there is always a guide pushing me in the right direction.

By Lydia Perry