Tag Archives: be present

Be All There

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It’s been a crazy hectic day. Items from my “to-do” list have been jumping off the page since I woke up this morning. I skipped my workout (probably not my best decision but I was sooo tired) and snuggled under my electric blanket for an extra hour. Then my wonderful husband made me a hot breakfast…and not warm milk on my cornflakes…a really hot breakfast of scrambled eggs filled with great veggies. He’s a keeper.

But the minute I hit the office doors, it’s been nuts. And as much as I try to multi-task to get more accomplished…less seems to be getting done. So on my 3-mile walk over lunch I came to a conclusion.

I need to be totally present in the moment.

Just today I’ve heard about a co-worker’s husband who has Stage 4 cancer, another co-worker dealing with aging relatives who are sucking every bit of joy out of her life, a long time friend who recently suffered a very debilitating stroke and a friend’s nephew battling through recovery from a heart transplant. Real deal troubles, all of them. They deserve my full attention…so they know they matter to me…so I can pray intelligently. I cannot obey God’s command to “encourage one another” when I’m only listening with a fraction of my attention and staring at my computer screen or smartphone with the rest.

Physically – I need to maintain eye contact with the person speaking to me. I need to show them that what they are telling me is important and worth my time. Mentally – I need to put aside my “gotta get this done right now” list and be all there. Emotionally – I need to empathize and show compassion and kindness.

I know. I know. This doesn’t help me get more off my “to-do” list.  I can’t be everything to everybody. But I can be somebody to someone who needs a shoulder, an ear or a smile. As a believer in Jesus, I’m called to spread His love to those around me. Can’t do it if I’m only partially present…gotta be all there.

be all there

Going Through the Motions

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Today has been a glorious day! After what has seemed like a never ending winter, spring appears to be in sight. With temps in the 40s and 50s, it was wonderful to be able to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Even with melting snow and slush covering sidewalks and streets, I couldn’t wait to get on a trail and get out for a run. While doing a few walking/running intervals I realized I had a perfect analogy for today’s “giving up for Lent” blog.

Sometimes I get in a routine and don’t really pay attention to what is going on around me. I’m going through the motions but not truly investing myself in the experience. It’s like running on a treadmill versus running outside on a trail. The treadmill gets the job done – you’re doing what you need to do – but it gets boring. Unless you’re moving the treadmill every morning, you’re looking at the same wall each time. Maybe you have a fancy one and you can program it for hills and valleys. Maybe you can watch TV or read a book while you’re running. I don’t think it matters. You aren’t fully invested in the total experience that running can give you.

No matter how many bells and whistles, your treadmill cannot give you what a good outdoor run can. You cannot imitate the sounds of the cardinals in the trees, the sight of deer and bunnies along the trail, the apprehension each time you jump over puddles, the smiles you give and receive to fellow runners or dog walkers. There’s no way to duplicate the sunshine reflecting off the melting snow or the feeling of damp, cold air on your face.

woman-running-outdoors

Let’s shake off the winter doldrums and become fully invested in spring. No more going through the motions of living. Instead, decide to be fully present in the moment.

Give the people near you your complete attention.

Listen to their stories.

Laugh at their jokes.

Smile at each person you encounter today.

Notice things.

Study something new.

Observe nature.

Take an adventure.

Discover treasures.

Live big!