Staying Present

by Amber Lia

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Proverbs 17:22

It was a happy moment. All four of my sons were sitting on the couch alongside me in our living room on the first day of summer break. A classic sci-fi movie was playing in the background, and we sat comfortably enjoying downtime. In a house full of energetic kids, it was a special departure from the norm of our schedules and our typical rowdy vibes.

Suddenly, my mind wandered. I pondered the fact that I had only one more summer before our oldest child would leave for college. Soon, family movie nights would be a bittersweet memory. I imagined what life would be like when our youngest son, born ten years after his oldest sibling, was the sole child under our roof without the companionship of his older brothers, who would have moved on toward independence. As thoughts bathed in scarcity flooded my mind, I forgot God’s abundant goodness. I couldn’t focus on the movie, much less the tranquil peace of being together as a family.

It wasn’t long before I started feeling restless and my breathing quickened. My heart dropped as sadness crept in. I couldn’t leave well enough alone and just be present. I was letting the future—my imagined, lonely future—steal the joy of today. God gives us many happy moments daily. Being intentional to stay in them is a barrier against being triggered, Momma. Fewer things set us off when we embrace the happy occasions in front of us. Personally, when my outlook is sunny, I see the difference it makes in the tone of our home and how the boys interact with me and one another.

Yesterday, I got word that a friend of mine lost her son after his long battle with a childhood illness. Though he is in heaven and her family rejoices that they will be with the Lord and their boy again one day, it’s a reminder to embrace every moment with our children. I read through my sweet friend’s remembrances of her boy, highlighting their love of camping in the mountains, family game nights, and volunteering at church together. Though she had reason for sorrow, it was her joy during this incredible pain that made me marvel. Even now, her cheerful heart is evident amid her grief, and the strength of the Lord is apparent for all to see as a witness of her faith.

Being thankful for the present is “good medicine.” Many of our triggers are battled in our minds. Allowing fear for the future and negativity to creep in weakens our defenses and makes us defensive. Is there something you are worrying about that may or may not turn out like you expect? When God places curves in the road, it’s tempting to strain to see around the corner, but then we miss the view right beside us. If you are spending a lot of time in your imagination, you may need to come back down to earth. These sweet moments of bonding are not to be missed. They do our hearts good! Anticipate that more will come, and release the unknowns of tomorrow to God, who lovingly directs your steps.

A Prayer For Presence

“Lord, I know that You have good plans for me and for my family. I don’t know what the future holds, but I spend a lot of time worrying about it. I’m missing out on the here and now. You never let us down! Help me cherish the happy moments—and even the hard ones too as I look for how You will bring good from them. You have purposely designed for us to enjoy today. When I worry about what might happen to my kids or where we will be living next year, or what friendships they will form, I can feel the weakness of my soul. I want to be strong in You instead. Help me, Lord! I look forward to being more present and mindful about today’s blessings. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Put It Into Practice

Every time you begin to worry about the future, look down at your shoes. Remind yourself that you are here. Right now! There is nothing more you need to focus on than this moment. Cherish it!

Excerpt from Untriggered by Amber Lia (© 2025). Published by Moody Publishers. Used by permission.

Amber Lia is an in-demand certified health coach who has experienced her own health transformation. A busy mom of four, she is the coauthor of the parenting book Triggers, as well as Marriage Triggers. Amber and her husband co-run a faith-friendly TV and film production company and live in southern California with their boys. Learn more at www.amberlia.com.