I rose early this morning. Fought back fatigue and forced myself out of bed.
Tried to offer my beloved the present of presence.
Because anxiety had him actively clock-watching until 4am.
We’re both insomniacs, reluctant night watchers.
I’m normally in a stupor of somnolence until what passes for lunch for most.
But today he needed me there to allay his fears before the world swallowed him whole.
We barely spoke. Hugs speak volumes.
So does meaningful eye contact and the rhythm of body language learnt over years.
I hugged my cup of tea and smiled, hoping silent reassurance would rise as steam.
And I thought how often I remain rooted to rest, captive to covers where sleep is so urgently sought.
What if I gave my beloved (and my Lord) the present of being fully present to them? Made it a top priority.
What would it look like to turn away from the lure of liquid crystal devices, the tug of social ‘need ya’ and make myself alert to the moment?
[bctt tweet=”Maybe the best gift of all we can offer our loved ones is to be engaged and fully present to them.”]
Maybe all they really crave is our time and undivided attention.
I’m guilty of forgetting that. But I sense a shift within, a desire to try harder.
To live with eyes, ears and heart wide open.
To make way for love and wonder in the everyday.
To be present to God’s presence most of all.
It’s worth trying, isn’t it? A kind of faith inspired, Christ-centred mindfulness.
I’m making myself present to the fellowship of faith-writing friends by linking up with Kate for #FMF, Mel for #essentialfridays and with Barbie for #WeekendWhispers as we share our words in community. You’re very welcome to join us.
Words of Joy 
To be present to God’s presence most of all. <— these words are golden!
I'm a insomnia and anxiety sufferer at times too. It ebbs and flows. I'm thankful to be in a sleepier cycle presently. I am your neighbor at FMF. How lovely that God connected our posts side by side! I love his God-incidents. I pray you enjoy your tea today and the coming days and your time with Our Father. I finished my tea, but I'm inspired to spend more time with the Father now after reading your post! Signing off, jenn
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Hi Jenn. I’m sorry to hear you suffer similarly, although it’s good to hear you’re in a sleepier cycle at present. I have those too sometimes, usually only a night here and there where wakefulness is less pronounced. But they are such a gift of grace! I love the “God-incidences” too (my word for such occurrences as well!) whereby the linking up more often than not leads us to posts we benefit from reading. I’m truly thankful to have been a means of encouraging you to spend more time with the Father. There is rest, peace and fullness if joy in His presence. It’s lovely to connect with you. Feel free to return any time! Bless you.
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Great post. Yes, being present is a gift to our loved ones.
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Thanks, Debbie. I appreciate you stopping by and seeing the necessity to be as fully present as possible with our loved ones. Bless you.
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Yes.
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Hi Michelle. Yes, indeed! It’s good to see you here. Bless you.
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Joy, I’ve dealt with insomnia. It’s hard to function and to maintain a schedule when we’re living in the land of exhaustion.
I love looking at being fully present the way you described:
To live with eyes, ears and heart wide open.
To make way for love and wonder in the everyday.
May we both give the present of presence with those we love most.
Have a great weekend, Joy!
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Jeanne, your understanding and empathy are appreciated, my friend. I totally agree with your beautifully expressed words here: “It’s hard to function and maintain a schedule when we’re living in the land of exhaustion.” I try to live in the way I’ve described but profound fatigue has a way of dulling our reactions and responses to life, doesn’t it? May you find wonder in the week before you and live as one who loves well and sees herself as beloved of God.
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Joy,
These words touch my heart:
To live with eyes, ears and heart wide open.
To make way for love and wonder in the everyday.
To be present to God’s presence most of all.
It’s worth trying, isn’t it? A kind of faith inspired, Christ-centred mindfulness.
Thank you.
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Debbie, yes I hope so and believe so! We can remain open to change at any age and stage of life. I would rather try living with eyes wide open to wonder than keep my perspective focussed on pain and problems. It helps me cope better with chronic illness and is a tremendous reminder of God’s daily goodness and grace. It’s lovely to have your companionship on this journey.
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Amen, Joy!
Thanks for this lesson.
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You’re welcome, Aritha. I love what God does with five surrendered minutes! 🙂
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Dear Joy, A fine reminder to me that being present for my husband, for God, and to others I encounter is a special gift. I want to give such a gift and know that they have my attention, my presence. I do not want to give lip service or eye service without ears to hear, and mind and soul to comprehend.
Glad I came by, ~ linda
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Dear Linda, I love that we are kindred souls in this quest. And I join you in this: “I don’t want to give lip service without ears to hear, and mind and soul to comprehend.” Amen! I’m so pleased you stopped by. Bless you.
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I’m so sorry you both suffer from insomnia, Joy. That must be so difficult. Amen to giving our loved ones our time and attention and being present to God’s presence most of all. Blessings and hugs!
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Thank you, Trudy. It does make life extra challenging at times! It’s good to have you on board with the desire to be more fully present to presence. Blessings and hugs to you, dear friend.
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” faith inspired, Christ-centered mindfulness” yes, my dear friend, I want more of this. Such a thought-provoking, inspiring post, JOY. Praying care and blessings over you and your beloved.
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June, I am glad you found some food for thought here, dear friend. Your posts always inspire me and your prayers are greatly appreciated too. Thank you so much!
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I think at times we are all guilty of being like that. Great post. I’m over in the #60 spot this week.
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Hi Tara. I’m glad you could relate to this post. Your words spoke into my soul this week. Thank you.
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Visiting your blog from FMF. We all need this reminder in our lives. I’m guilty of not being present quite a lot, and really gotta work on it more. Praying you sleep better, friend. Insomnia is no fun at all!
Lynette
~#9 in linkup
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Hi Lynette. Thanks for visiting. It’s good to meet you and to know these words have spoken to you. How kind of you to extend prayer in my direction, friend! I’m truly humbled and grateful for it.
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Thank you for the truth and vulnerability in your words. There is nothing like the gift of being present for our loved ones. I am learning how to treasure those moments and store them up until the next time. If you have family that lives all over, you understand what this is like. I also am learning that another day with my dad is a gift to be loved and held closely.
Blessed week to you!
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Mary, you and I do well to “treasure those moments and store them up until the next time” because there are no guarantees in life and seeing each day with our loved ones as a gift of grace helps us to keep the right perspective on being present for them. Thinking of you as you offer your father the inestimable gift of your presence and the grace gift of Jesus-in-you with it. Blessings, hugs and prayers to you!
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