The in-between

Our whole science consists in recognising the designs of God for the present moment. (Jean Pierre de Caussade, section 5, p. 15)

The grace of the present moment, sometimes referred to as the sacrament of the present moment, is recognizing that every moment bears the will of God and so we should endeavor to live that moment as a blessing to Him. When we do so, we live in the grace of that moment, in His Spirit who is sanctifying us. This is what He created us for, to live in His love. So why is it so difficult? 

“It is only from want of knowing how to make use of the divine action that so many Christians pass their lives in anxiously pursuing a multitude of methods which might prove useful if ordained by this divine action, but which by preventing a simple union with it, become positively harmful.” (p. 51)

At the same time that we try to live in the grace of the present moment, we are to hold the vision of eternity forever in front of our eyes. In fact, it is maintaining focus on the next life that moves us to persevere in this life. Since God is eternal life, focusing our mind and thoughts on Him brings the present moment and eternal realities together. 

Yet it is our broken human nature that causes us to focus on the in-between, the future time period between today and eternity. The in-between is unclear and, thus, uncertain. It is unknowable, as we can only predict what we hope to happen or not happen based in great part on our own preparation, choices, and behavior. Thus, it is meaningless to dwell on it. Yet we do. 

What the Lord has given us to live on is certainly enough for us. (Tobit 5:20)

The uncertainty of the in-between draws us to concern. It is the realm in which we don’t have control. Then as fear grows it moves us to worry, anxiety, and self-protecting behaviors. And we can end up changing our entire life, molding it to fit the plans that we concoct based out of these fears. 

Focused on the darkness of the unknown, we cannot see the light of eternal life. Yet this is the only light that can guide us. It is sufficient, providing just the light we need even though we may want much more. Give me an answer. Give me a word. Give me a discernment. Our mind and heart scramble about trying to force light onto a future the  obscurity of which frightens us. “Enough is as good as a feast” said Mary Poppins in the classic children’s story. But those lessons are long lost on adults. “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.” says Jesus (Matthew 6:34). “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our sufficiency is from God” teaches St. Paul (2 Corinthians 3:5). 

It isn’t the perceived lack of light that causes one to struggle. It is the desire for more light than one needs, the attempt to ascertain full illumination, full answers. It is a battle of us against our own will. In that internal battle for control we fail to give God thanks for the sufficient light He has already given us.

For who knows God’s counsel,

    or who can conceive what the Lord intends?

For the deliberations of mortals are timid,

    and uncertain our plans.

For the corruptible body burdens the soul

    and the earthly tent weighs down the mind with its many concerns.

Scarcely can we guess the things on earth,

    and only with difficulty grasp what is at hand;

    but things in heaven, who can search them out?

Or who can know your counsel, unless you give Wisdom

    and send your holy spirit from on high?

Thus were the paths of those on earth made straight (Wisdom 9:13-18)

What would happen if, instead of dwelling on the uncertain and unknown tomorrow, we live thankfully in the present day? “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). What would happen? Peace. 

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam 😊

(Image by Eberhard Grossgasteiger from pexels)