I was spending time on the deck enjoying the sun this afternoon and when I lifted my chair back, this little guy was sitting there. At first we just eyeballed each other. I then realized it wasn’t getting any earlier and I needed to sit in that chair and catch some rays. I tried moving him. Picking him up. He’d twitch and squirm so I couldn’t get a good handle on him with my thumb and pointer. He’d use his sticky little hands and feet to hang off the back, only to climb right back up to original position. I sighed, decided if you can’t beat em’ join em’, and nestled my towel around his teeny textured body.

We spent that hour together in companionable silence, soaking in the sun.

When I packed up my towel, I attempted to put the chair back down. Couldn’t without squishing him, so it’s up waiting for a bird to poop on it (guess how I know). But, the little guy is safe and content.

He didn’t know he was supposed to be scared.

We don’t have to be either.

I went back out to check on him a bit ago. He’s still there. I sat with him and the grasshopper that had joined him, watching him breathe evenly. I asked, “Why aren’t you afraid of me? I’m way bigger than you, seems you should be.” It was then I realized I’d been personifying a frog. Yeah, I’m a zillion times bigger than him…but he doesn’t know he should be scared. I realized that I was projecting on a frog the fear humans feel at the things we can’t see but FEEL big, the things we don’t know or anticipate. He might have a teeny little brain created almost exclusively for survival…but he’s living in the present.

Frog 1. Human 0.

I wasn’t able to steal that frogs joy. No one can steal ours either. We’re just accustomed to releasing it without realizing. Much like I’m bigger than the frog, our God is bigger than any worry or anticipated harm.

So often we worry about the future, hoping to foresee and therefore lessen potential negative impact. But guys, anticipating future POTENTIAL negative impact…makes it impossible to fully enjoy the present. And really, while we may be moderately better prepared in our worry…it’s exhausting, and no matter how much we plan, what actualizes is rarely what was anticipated, and even more rarely, ultra negative.

My point: Be present. There’s plenty to worry about, and trouble may be here before we know it. That’s okay! He’s got this, no matter what. But. BUT. Tomorrow isn’t here yet. The sun is shining TODAY. The breeze is light, the air is warm, the towel is soft…the company is unique, and to be appreciated.

Enjoy your present.

Today, look around. If you’re having a challenge, know that this present will soon pass and seek a silver lining, I promise you it’s there. If nothing else, thank the Good Lord you’re breathing. And, if it seems an ordinary day….make it extraordinary. LOOK around you. SEE that He is good and ENJOY even the smallest things He brings to our attention when we take the time.

Isn’t it beautiful?