Be Present

Be Present: Wow, this was a powerful message for me and I hope you get something out of it too! I am always trying to “multi-task” and I know it isn’t always good! At a recent conference we heard many words of encouragement to be present where you are! I want to share a bit of that with you! Think about this in your day, whether you are volunteering, working, spending family time or time with a friend.... Be present and don’t wish you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. 1 Corinthians 7:17 (The Message Translation) Being present is about engaging and listening to those right in front of you. Being present means when talking with someone, you look them in the eyes and listen. Not looking over their shoulder to see whom else is there. Be all there. Being present means creating margin that allows for interruptions and moments of inconvenience, which can be moments when God does the greatest work through us. Being present is about staying. It’s about showing up and never leaving. Having presence in a place, location or context. Being connected to an address, a neighborhood, a city, a zip code. Being present means being involved in the community you are located in. Existing in community and not always trying to “create” community. Knowing and loving your neighbors. There was so much more and I pray that especially if you have children in your life you know sometimes it is hard to just slow down and be there for them but you can make a difference with your presence! Have a great rest of your week! Lisa Hanna Life Kids Coordinator