Appreciating the here and now

Three men were sitting together on a park bench, sharing stories on an autumn afternoon. The first man recounted one tale after another about his past. He longed for the simplicity of yesteryear. He spoke of nostalgic days of yore, recalling events of times gone by. The first man yearned for his youth. He closed his eyes and pictured things the way they once were, frustrated at what had been lost.

The second man spun yarns about the future. He imagined lavish vacations he planned, picturing places he would go near and far. He imagined things he would do once he retired. He envisioned a boat he would build. He fantasized about all the free time he would have for fishing. Lost in his reveries, the second man closed his eyes and sighed in anticipation of things to come, frustrated by waiting for what would be.

The third man did not step back into his past nor did he lean into his future. Instead, he pointed out the fair day. He called attention to the beautiful colors of the changing leaves, the deep blue skies. He greeted people as they passed; and they returned his good cheer. The third man felt the sun on his face. He smelled the scent of purple grapes ripe on vines covering a nearby arbor. And he was content in the moment.

The good steward understands the importance of the present, neither dwelling on nor forgetting the past, neither anticipating nor ignoring the future.

This article comes to you from Grace In Action (Our Sunday Visitor) courtesy of your parish or diocese.