Be Present

Be Present

          In life we are given many opportunities to be in the midst of various experiences.  In each we are given choices about being aware of those around us, participating in activities for/with others, attending to relationships, building connections, and also encouraging and supporting each other.  It comes down to us being present for/with people, in situations and in environments.

          Awareness is so very important.  Not knowing – a person, situation, an issue, a problem – we act differently than when we’ve come to know that person, situation, issue, or problem.  To not know, we can dehumanize; but in coming to know, can personalize …..

          This gives one perspective to the “Be present” concept.  Another idea about “Be Present” is be the gift given to another, a treasure.  Be the valued/valuable blessing that lights up someone’s world, which enhances their joy.

          Giving can be an incredible blessing.  It creates a tremendous sense of wonder and awe to truly see the giving opportunities and fulfillment.  It is even more special to be affected and have the Christmas spirit continue into and through the year to come.

          The 1^st Christmas was the start of something new, the gift of God, THE PRESENT for all.  Each Christmas and New Year for us are opportunities for something renewed.  We should not remain wrapped.  We are meant to be blessings, be shared; Be Present!

1/19/22 -- As I recalled this story two ideas came up -- "Be current" and "Be now"

Flashlight & Cinder Block -- A Reconciliation Connection

On Sunday (Dec. 11th, 2016) we had a Reconciliation Service for our youth classes. During the Service I placed a couple of items on the edge of the altar area at Church (see the attached image, a flashlight and a cinder block). While placing the items on the towel, I asked the youth if the cinder block looked heavy; they agreed it did. Then before placing the flashlight on the towel, I shone it at each of them.

Then I told them a story about --
A Light Shone on _____, Exposing Vulnerabilities (this paragraph is a Nov. 2015 Post)
by Ian Mascarenhas
A few weeks ago I was traveling to an early morning meeting in a rural area. As I drove around a curve, my headlights shone, and I saw a rabbit along the side of the road. As soon as the area around the creature was brightened, the rabbit scurried for cover, and quickly disappeared.
I continued to my meeting, but realized a lesson that God was teaching me. The light that illuminated the roadway and the area along the side also exposed the rabbit and its vulnerability to predators.
The light of God also shines on us and what gets revealed is the way we are living, the choices we are making. But it is God, who in love is calling us to come closer. Do we avoid God, and rather run to cover up further separating/disconnecting from our loving Creator?
The choice we face is to do an Examination of Conscience, then choose to reunite with God or continue to remain apart, wandering around. God wants to have a personal relationship/connection with each of us. We make the choice to participate.

Then, about the cinder block, I said "When something is not forgiven we hold on to a weight way heavier than God ever inteded us to hold."

Forgive, seek (and ask for) forgiveness -- don't let an overwhelming weight become a limiting/controlling force in our lives.