Presence MattersSample

On John’s first day of work, the community center was buzzing with the noise and activity of children laughing, soccer balls flying, and adults trying to maintain peace amidst 50 rambunctious kids. Knowing his first goal was to connect and build relationships, John looked around to find someone to engage. He was overwhelmed and unsure where to begin, so he took out his guitar to calm his nerves. As he lightly played a melody, he noticed a quiet teenage boy, Tyler, in the corner for the first time. John saw the way Tyler tapped his fingers to the melody. He asked the other adults about the boy and heard, “He doesn’t want to be here,” He’s kind of a loner,” and “He’s really serious.”

Undeterred, John crossed the room, introduced himself, and offered to teach Tyler to play a few chords. Although hesitant, Tyler took the guitar and strummed his first chords. This was the moment things in his life began to change.

In just a few short months, Tyler transformed from the quiet teen in the corner to a confident one on stage with the worship band at his church. John’s consistent presence and encouragement spurred him to develop his talent. This story has a dramatic ending, but a quiet beginning; John’s mindfulness kindled the first spark.

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Mindfulness can be a confusing word. Ultimately, mindfulness is about presence. It’s an active engagement in your present reality, allowing you to be aware of your own needs and emotions and the needs and emotions of those around you.

John was overwhelmed by the chaos of the community center and felt nervous and out of place. He was mindful of those emotions and used his guitar to focus on his present reality. He saw the people around him, including Tyler, alone and isolated in the corner.

We see Jesus exercise mindfulness in Luke chapter 5. An overwhelming crowd of people surrounds Jesus and his disciples, clamoring for His attention on His way to heal a sick child. In the middle of all of the chaos, Jesus is present and aware. He stops everyone as He feels the "power go out of him." A broken, hurting, and rejected woman had snuck through the crowd to touch just the hem of His garment. Despite the chaos and the very important thing He was about to do, Jesus was present enough to sense her touch, stop what He was doing, honor her, and heal her.

Jesus is just as mindful of you and me today. Psalm 8:4 says, “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”

• Jesus is aware of and attuned to your needs.
• He is not overwhelmed or distracted by the chaos of this world.
• He is deeply engaged in your present reality, ready to pursue you, and ready to meet your healing needs.

When we are mindful of the needs and emotions bubbling inside us, we can take steps to calm down and come back to our present reality. Once we are calm, we can look around and become aware of others in a way that looks like Jesus and opens the door for healing.

Trauma-Informed Tip: Take regular time to pause during the day and assess how the world and its chaos impact you. Start with a one-minute timer on your phone and mentally scan your body and heart for areas of distraction or tension. First, bring your mind to your present reality. Then, look for the needs of those around you.

PRAYER: Jesus, I want to stay fixed on You. I want my thoughts on You and to believe Your thoughts are on me. Keep me mindful. Amen.

1. What are three things that make it hard to slow down or be mindful? (e.g., social media, a full schedule, kids, work, etc.)
2. During times of rest or intentional focus, how have I noticed God tending to my needs?
3. What is one way my lack of mindfulness has negatively impacted someone around me? What is one way my use of mindfulness could positively impact someone around me?