Presence

Mark 1:32-34a “That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door,and Jesus healed many who had various diseases.”

What has your to-do list looked like recently? Has your list of tasks or your daily checklists felt similar to the verse above where the whole town was gathered at the door for Jesus to attend to them.

Life can get busy. Most times when you ask someone how they have been, the answer tends to include how busy they are. And at this time of the year, throw in the extras, decorating, entertaining, events, shopping, etc. In the midst if it all, how consistent are you in keeping Jesus your everyday priority? Every year leading up to Christmas, I have to remind myself to be intentional with not getting caught up with doing too much or making everything perfect.

Mark 1 gives us a glimpse into how Jesus often spent his days, teaching and meeting the needs of the multitude of people around him. But in the midst of it all, he never lost sight of staying connected with God through prayer. Mark 1:35 “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

And when present with the disciples or anyone else he engaged in conversation with, he was never rushed or distracted but present with them in that moment.  Each encounter he had was important to him and it was impactful and powerful. One of the best gifts we can give to our loved ones and those around us, is our attention. Take a breath, slow down and be present with the person you are engaging with in the moment and be aware that each of those moments is an opportunity to reflect God and glorify Him.  

As this time of the year tends to pull us all to be preoccupied with many things, let us not rush past the gift God has given us, to be in His presence, but rather press into it every single day and may we remember to the give the gift of being present with those around us.

God Bless.