The Strength (and weakness) of Living in the Moment: Repentance

One of my strengths (and in a way one of my weaknesses) is that I don't spend much time worrying about the past and the future. 

I think it's a great strength in many ways, particularly when it comes to statements like "time is measured only unto man" and "with God, all things are present". I wouldn't change that characteristic about myself - except in situations where long-term planning is beneficial to the here and now. I am getting better at that, but there still is room for improvement - for "repentance".

The greatest aspect of living in the present is probably that I don't spend time and energy worrying about what might happen but never does. I do consider all the possible outcomes when there is something I need to consider - but, once that is done, I let go and deal only with what actually happens.

I get that from my mother, to some degree - and she gets it from her schizophrenia, ironically. She can't worry about the future without damaging results, so my dad shields her from everything that might cause worry - so she can "live completely in the present".

Living in the present but thinking appropriately about the future is a bit of a paradox - and those who don't see a need to repent (to change) also, in their own way, are "living in the present" and not worrying about the future. I know my tendency is similar to that, which is why I am grateful to have been raised in a home and church and culture that actually does emphasize repentance. 

It's a fine line, and it's one I'm working on understanding better.