George Winston---Enjoying the Moment

The pianist, George Winston, and his method of performing serve as an excellent example to us who struggle with enjoying each moment that God has given us---living in the moment, if you will. (By living in the moment, I do not mean living for yourself and for pleasure, as much of the world thinks when they hear 'live in the moment.' For me, as a Christian, living in the moment means being grateful for the time that God has given us and using it to glorify Jesus.)

George Winston was an improvisor who became famous when he released his album Autumn in 1980. He quickly became even more popular when he released Winter into Spring and then December. His work is recognized by its flowing, wandering feel. It is simple yet beautiful, intricate yet relaxed.

The art of playing the piano through improvisation is something that is difficult for me, because it allows no room for planning. Improvising is letting go of control and allowing the music to flow. Usually, I enjoy looking through a piece of sheet music and knowing what to be prepared for and how it will end. With improvising, this is not possible. In a way, that's exciting. In another, it can be very frightening.

Life is a lot like improvising. There should be some rules, some idea of how things are going to play out (for example, knowing that whatever happens you're going to stand firm on God's Word), but for the most part, you never know how something is going to turn out.

Sometimes, it can be very difficult to live in the moment, the way Winston's piano playing methods remind us to. It's so easy (and I 100% speak for myself) to worry about the future, or look forward to it with the thought that it holds better promise than the present. Jesus Christ refutes this when he says, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life," "which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" and "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself." (Matt 6:25-34)

It can be extremely liberating to realize that we do not have to worry about the future. After all, tomorrow is not promised, and what a waste of time to worry about something that we do not even know is coming! Of course, just deciding not to worry is pretty much impossible, but, just like everything, we can get better with practice.

After all, Jesus doesn't want us to worry. In fact, he commands us not to worry in the passage I quoted above. If more people viewed not worrying as a command instead of an option, the world would be a very different place.

Being anxious, looking ahead to the future instead of focusing on what you have "in the moment," deprives you of joy. It can cause you to worry about what you can't change, and it tries to make you dissatisfied with what you have. Each new day is a miracle, and Matthew 6:25-34 shares how the Lord wants you to treat each one.

I urge you to give your anxiety to the Lord, give over your hopes and the things that you wish you could control but you can't. Then enjoy the time He's given you. Enjoy today. Enjoy the wonderful things you didn't expect, that you weren't planning for. And then when hardships come that you can't do anything about, turn to God with the understanding that everything is in His control.

The fact is, whether you worry or not, things will or won't happen (Matt 6:27). And through all that happens, God will always be in control. His command not to worry is for our own good.

Live in God's moment. Each one is a miracle.

Don't miss this one. It won't come again.