Be PresentSample

You have a purpose 

You were created for a purpose.  When the Creator knitted you together in your mother’s womb, He gave you a purpose. This is important because life without purpose is meaningless. Don’t confuse busyness or achievement or success with purpose. Some are driven to think “my purpose in life is to get rich.” Well, that’s doable but not significant, and you may miss fulfilling your God-intended purpose. Others drift from day to day dreaming about retirement and miss out on making today count. Some imagine some better situation when life will be good and miss what God has for them today.

Your purpose is with people. Even though I can’t tell you God’s specific purpose and plan for your life, I can say with certainty that you were created for relationship with Him. You were also designed to bless others. When it is all about me, we become narcissistic. If you live focused only on how God will meet your needs and satisfy your wants, you will lose sight of your purpose —to be a blessing to others wherever you go. The truth is, when you see your life make a difference in somebody else’s life —that will make your life more abundant. I am not talking about being best friends with everyone you meet, but about making a difference in somebody’s life who you encounter today. I know this may create an interruption in your day. But, I encourage you to stay open and available. The fallacy is believing that when all your needs are met, then you can think about helping others. That will never happen. Aren’t we all a black hole of need?

So, here’s the question. Have we lost the margin in our lives to bless others? We live at a furious pace, running busy schedules with our kids, so they don’t get behind in life. We often think, “I would invite people over, but I just don’t have the time.” The author of the book The Turquoise Table, Kristin Schell, says, “With no margin in our lives, the idea of being present seems out of reach.” How can I be present —without distractions? Today, be conscious of how often you miss connecting with others because you’re interacting with your phone. Imagine putting our phones down so we can enjoy a moment with someone nearby. People don’t need the light of our devices to shine on them. What they need to see is the light of Jesus shining through us. Light is a beautiful thing when it shines in dark places.