English has some words that fascinate me for their multiple meanings. A present is a gift. We can, also, choose to BE present, which means fully engaged. I find it interesting that one of the best presents we can give someone is to simply be present.
Oh those devices that rule our lives. I have them, too. I try hard to set them aside when loved ones are around. We try to be intentional at family meals to not be on our phones. We are inquisitive people and often have questions that come up in our conversations. We do our best to not resort to looking up the answer on the internet. The struggle is real when the answer is near.
We eventually give someone "permission" to look it up. Our efforts are sincere, but it is hard to not reach for the answer. The struggle is real. Time on our devices takes us away from whoever is actually with us. Again... I struggle, too.
Do you know people who are extraordinary at being fully present?
This Bob Goff quote is perfect: "We're good at being in close proximity to people. We are bad at being present."
The presents we give can be costly. The act of being present costs us nothing but time.
People were drawn to Jesus. "Yeshua." It is the name he was called by his family and friends. I've said before that there is something about that name. It wraps you in calmness and warmth. Say it again... "Yeshua."
We are called to: "Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep." -Romans 12:15
We are called to be present.
Today, I am grateful we can choose to be fully present.
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