I’ve been pondering the practice of being present.
Of keeping to the moment at hand and avoiding the trap of mentally staying one step ahead. You know how that goes ~
:: writing a to-do list as breakfast is being eaten
:: responding to emails as we listening to the radio, a CD or while talking
:: making a phone call when walking around the block…And on and on the story goes.
There is not judgment in my voicing the path of multi-tasking. Frankly, I believe it is often necessary! But the pitfall is that we can find ourselves living in this mode most of the time and applying it to all aspects of our lives.
Such as to our relationships.
For example, have you given thought to the effort that it takes to listen? To really set aside all other mental activity and to fill our minds and hearts with the words being spoken by the one sharing them?
To be present for them and truly demonstrating care, concern or whatever support may be needed? Our circles of family and friends are in need of us to give our full attention at times — and not to break this up into little pieces.
As I ponder my own ability to do this well, there is a flood of thankfulness for those who bless me with gracious attention—even this past week. When words did not merely fall from my lips & to the ground, but instead were absorbed by ones who genuinely listened.
Who were being present on my behalf.
Oh, gratitude, gratitude….thanking HIM for such friends!
{an edited repost from the archives as I express gratefulness today for extraordinary friendships}
