Have you ever experienced “zoned-out” driving? You know, when you’re on your usual route, like your daily commute to work, and suddenly realize you can’t recall the past 10 minutes of the journey? It’s a common phenomenon we’ve all encountered. You were driving safely, following traffic rules, but your mind wandered. You might think it’s due to the familiarity of the route, but deep down, you sense it’s a bit unsafe. After all, you’re in a one-ton vehicle among others traveling at high speeds. Any mistake could lead to trouble. As leaders and pastors, we should apply this concept to our lives. We should always be present, aware, and ready to engage. That is the power od mindfulness.

Let’s delve into the idea of being mindful leaders. “Mindfulness” is a buzzword nowadays, applied to various aspects of life—mindful eating, exercise, reading, parenting, and even coffee consumption. This trend challenges the culture of busyness and sleep deprivation, which is prevalent in our society. However, we need to move beyond trends and examine our daily lives as leaders.

Let’s take a look at what God has to say about the topic:

Luke 12:6-7

“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

NIV Bible

In Luke 12, Jesus paints a picture of God’s care for the seemingly insignificant, like sparrows and the number of hairs on our heads. This illustrates God’s profound interest in us. It shows that God is mindful.

Ephesians 5:15-16

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”

This passage from Paul’s letter gives us clear instructions to “make the most of every opportunity” and to not “act thoughtlessly”. When we break down the meaning of Mindfulness we get phrases like being present, having intentional awareness, and slower living. That sounds a lot like making the most of every opportunity and not acting thoughtlessly.  Paul’s letter to the Ephesians instructs us to make the most of every opportunity and avoid thoughtless actions. This aligns with the concept of mindfulness masterfully.

If Luke tells us that God is concerned with the small details, and Ephesians tells us to make the most of every opportunity, it would seem that God cares about the little moments. So, He must want us to care as well.

So what can Mindfulness as a pastor or leader look like?

I would pose the idea that it is an awareness of God’s presence in your everyday. So, what can mindfulness look like for pastors and leaders? It’s about recognizing God’s presence in everyday life, not just during major events. Here’s how:

1. Slow Down & Pay Attention

Just as in driving, it’s easy to “zone out” in our daily routines. We must be aware of God’s work in the mundane.

I really enjoy spending time at coffee shops. I love the atmosphere, the aroma, and the overall vibe of these places; they’re like creative carnivals to me. So, when my daughter got a job at our local coffee shop, I was thrilled. It meant I could get a discount as a family member, and it gave me a good reason to hang out at my favorite coffee spot. It was a win-win situation.

Recently, on a day when my daughter was working, I decided to visit her at the coffee shop and get some work done there. I used the excuse of needing a change of scenery, but the truth was, life had been tough for a while, and I was searching for a place to take my mind off the constant frustrations and questions swirling in my head. While working in my metal chair, I felt a familiar inner prompting to “pay attention.” When I looked around, nothing seemed extraordinary. Everything seemed normal, mundane, and average.

But then, that prompting led me to focus on my daughter, who was working behind the cash register. I watched as she interacted with her coworkers, shared laughs with a customer who ordered the same thing every day, and warmly smiled at someone. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy that I hadn’t experienced in months. I got to witness my daughter in her zone and it made me smile.

It’s remarkable how much insight and encouragement can come from an ordinary visit to a coffee shop. It reminded me that God is actively at work in the ordinary, every day, and seemingly mundane aspects of life. We just need to step away from our mental autopilot and open our eyes to what He is doing around us. Paying attention for a few minutes allowed one pastor to see God at work in his daughter’s life and feel a renewed sense of hope.

2. Meditate

It’s amazing how frequently the Psalms mention meditation. They encourage us to reflect on God’s decrees, His law, His glorious splendor, and His unfailing love. Meditation is essentially about setting aside time for deep thought. You don’t need special rituals, candles, or a serene outdoor setting.

One of my favorite meditation practices, which I’ve been doing on and off for about six months, involves meditating on the Lord’s Prayer. I simply remove distractions, close my eyes, and recite the Lord’s Prayer silently in my mind. As I go through each line, I consider how it applies to my life that day.

For instance, when I say, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name,” I acknowledge God’s holiness and seek His guidance in following His will that day. When I utter, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done,” I ponder how I can contribute to bringing God’s Kingdom to Earth, how I can show His love to my community, and how I can reveal His Kingdom in my interactions.

This practice helps me shift my focus from self to God, reminding me of my purpose and reinforcing my reliance on Him. Initially, it can be overwhelming due to inner distractions, but with repetition, I’ve learned to quiet the noise. Remember, where you begin is not where you’ll remain in this journey of meditation.

Meditation isn’t about elaborate rituals. It’s simply dedicating time to think deeply about God and His will. Reciting the Lord’s Prayer and reflecting on its application to daily life can be a powerful practice. It helps align our intentions with God’s purpose.

3. Appreciate Your Present State

In the hustle and bustle of our lives as pastors and leaders, it’s all too easy to find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of planning the next Sunday service, organizing the next big youth event, or strategizing for the next phase in our ministries and personal lives. The demands of our roles and responsibilities can often pull us away from the present moment, keeping us preoccupied with what’s on the horizon.

However, it’s crucial to remember that God has granted us each day with a unique purpose. Each morning is a fresh gift, packed full of opportunities to experience Him. Mindfulness, in this context, is about being fully present in the moment, intentionally acknowledging the blessings and beauty around you.

Today is a blessing from God, and we should treat it as such. Rather than letting our minds wander to the challenges of the past, the tasks of the day, or the milestones of the future, let us choose to be present in the here and now.

In the philosophical masterpiece, Kung Fu Panda, the kung-fu master Oogway sagely reminds us, “Today is a gift; that is why it’s called the present.” This profound statement from an animated turtle encapsulates the essence of mindfulness. Each day we are given is a gift, an opportunity to fully embrace the present moment with gratitude and awareness. Mindfulness allows you to find the gift within every single day.

Like on Christmas morning, these gifts are both big and small. The sunrise, the laughter of friends, a warm cup of coffee, a hug from your spouse, and the soothing sound of rain—these are all gifts from God. Take notice of them. Recognize the beauty and wonder in the everyday moments that often go unnoticed.

In Conclusion

Mindfulness might be overlooked, but it was a practice of Jesus. He noticed the woman at the well, fed the hungry crowds, took time to pray and meditate, and even addressed his mother’s suffering on the cross. As leaders, we should follow His example. Trade your zoned-out routines for a life full of God’s presence, where you witness His work in every detail of your life.

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THIS BLOG CONTAINS LEADERSHIP MATERIAL FROM THE PASTOR CIRCLE. WHAT IS THE PASTOR CIRCLE?

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It’s a virtual small group community of pastors who understand what you’re going through and want to offer you godly support and guidance. We meet on Zoom once a month to listen to a short devotional and topic introduction, followed by a small group discussion. We hope to see you there next month! Click here to learn more.