Keep Me in the Moment

“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” - Psalm 118:24 (NIV)

Have you ever reached the end of a school day and wondered where the time went? Between lesson planning, grading, emails, meetings, student needs, and the never-ending to-do list, it can feel like we are constantly moving from one thing to the next. Even when we are physically present, our minds may already be thinking about tomorrow’s lessons, next week’s deadlines, or everything we still need to accomplish.

Jeremy Camp’s song “Keep Me in the Moment” has been a meaningful reminder to me: Am I so focused on what comes next that I am missing what God has placed right in front of me?

As educators, planning ahead is part of our responsibility. We want to be prepared, meet our students’ needs, and do our best. But with so many demands competing for our attention, it is easy to get caught up in what is next instead of being present in the moment God has given us.

In Matthew 6:34, Jesus reminds us:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  - Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

Jesus is not telling us to stop planning or to ignore our responsibilities. Instead, He reminds us not to let tomorrow’s concerns overshadow today. We are invited to trust that God is already present in the future we cannot see, just as He is present with us today.

What might it look like to live this out in our schools?

Perhaps it means putting aside our to-do list for a moment to truly listen to a student who needs someone to hear them. Maybe it means encouraging a colleague who seems overwhelmed, sending a quick message of appreciation, or taking the time to pray with someone rather than simply promising to pray later. It could even mean pausing in the middle of a busy day to recognize a small moment of joy- a student’s growth, a shared laugh, or a reminder of why we chose this calling in the first place. It also means intentionally making time for our own time in God’s Word and personal devotions, allowing Him to refresh our hearts, strengthen our faith, and refocus our attention on what matters most.

These moments may seem small, and they may not appear on any lesson plan or checklist. Yet they are often the very places where we can reflect Christ’s love to those around us.

We cannot control how quickly time passes, how many emails arrive, or how many things remain on our to-do lists. We cannot always change the demands of our days, but we can ask God to help us see those days differently. Rather than measuring our success only by what we accomplish, we can also consider how we have loved, encouraged, served, and pointed others toward Him.

As we continue through this school year, may we remember that our calling is not simply about preparing students for what comes next. It is also about faithfully serving the students, families, and colleagues God has placed in our lives today.

May God keep us present in the moments He gives us, open our eyes to the opportunities around us, and remind us that even in the ordinary moments of our work, He is at work through us.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the opportunity to serve You through our work in education. In the busyness of our days, help us slow down and be present with the people You have placed in our lives. When we become overwhelmed by our responsibilities or anxious about what lies ahead, remind us that You are already there and that we can trust You with tomorrow.

Give us eyes to see the needs around us, hearts ready to encourage others, and a willingness to recognize the small but meaningful opportunities You place before us each day. Help us reflect Your love in our classrooms, conversations, and interactions with colleagues, students, and families.

May we be faithful in the work You have given us today, trusting You with what is yet to come. Keep our eyes fixed on You and our hearts focused on what matters most.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

           Jennifer Schedler, Faith Community Lutheran Academy, Las Vegas