Interconnected: RelationshipsSample

Be Present In Your Present

In our chaotic and over-scheduled lives, we often miss the blessings that are right in front of our very eyes. We go from work to baseball to soccer practice to piano lessons and back again—sometimes, missing the preciousness of simply being with our children.

When we read about Job’s life, we see him reflecting on the joy of having his children around him. In the midst of his agony, Job gives us his heartfelt perspective on how He longs for the days when He walked in the provision of God’s blessing and was surrounded by his children. We see the picture of a father reflecting on what were obviously his most precious gifts, and we can almost feel the sadness in his longing.

In the life that God has breathed into us, it’s easy to miss out on special moments, especially when we are busy or preoccupied. Your child wants to rest his head on your shoulder, but you don’t sit down long enough to make it happen. You’d rather check your e-mails than read a story to your little one before bed. You miss seeing the first time she rides her bike without training wheels because you are too busy doing yard work. In a world filled with endless “To Do” lists, we are often present—but are not really “present.”

It shouldn’t take a trial like Job’s to get us to appreciate the gift of being a parent. Instead, we should daily reflect on God’s goodness in entrusting us to raise our children. We should thank Him for our children. And we should ask Him to help us be fully present.

DIG: What are some ways you can slow down and enjoy the company of your children?
DISCOVER: What can you do right now to be present more in the lives of your children?
DISPLAY: Today, make it your priority to spend one-on-one time with your children and show them how much you love them.