The Present of Presence

During this season of Lent, we are being asked to commit to be present in worship as often as we can. By “present” our leaders don’t just mean that we show up and sit in our usual pew and “tune in” and out as the service progresses. In order to be fully present, we must fight down the urge to make a grocery list, a worry list or a honey-do list while we listen to the beautiful music and guiding words surrounding us.

I find that this process of being fully present enriches not only my worship time, but any time I am in relationship with those around me. If I attune completely to the activity at hand, be it play time with Stanton or John Davis or talking to my husband about his day, then I’m able to enjoy it, to more fully appreciate that time much more. It takes such discipline to do this on a regular basis in a world that applauds multi-tasking and “busyness” much more than calm and intentional “being”.

Challenge yourself during this season of Lent leading to Easter to truly BE in the moments that make up your days. While talking with your child, stop all other activity when you can. Look into his eyes and listen not only to the words, but to the emotion behind the words. Examine her face as she plays beside you. Notice the way he picks up apple slices and tucks them into his little mouth. Whatever it takes to slow you down so that you can have a deeper awareness, do it. This will be one of the hardest things you do this week, this month, this lifetime, but it will enrich all of your experiences beyond measure. God is able to work amazing miracles in souls that are still enough to listen and obey. The first most difficult step, however, is to make the commitment to be fully present in all of your relationships. Begin with the most important relationship of all: your time with God. Commit to just “being” as you experience God’s voice, God’s peace, God’s love. Next, I suggest you attend one of the services during Holy Week at First Church and remind your brain to stop and be present for what you experience during that time. The task is difficult and lengthy; the rewards are eternal.