Prioritize the Presence

Raise your hand if you've ever been caught up in a whirlwind of distractions. Yep, I see you nodding. We've all been there, especially when it comes to setting aside time for prayer or meditation. Let me share a little story that might resonate with you.

So, picture this: it's a serene Sunday morning, and I'm all geared up for some quality time with the divine. I settle into my prayer spot, ready to bask in the presence of God. But guess what pops into my head the moment I close my eyes? Bon Jovi. Yes, you heard that right. Instead of heavenly visions, I'm hit with "Shot through the heart, and you're to blame..." You see, even amidst our best intentions, distractions have a funny way of sneaking in.

But here's the kicker: it's not just about Bon Jovi or the random musings that pop up. Our modern lives are bombarded with information overload. From the moment we wake up, we're inundated with notifications, emails, and endless to-do lists. No wonder it's hard to find stillness, especially in the presence of God.

It's a struggle we all face—being fully present. Our minds wander to the past, replaying old memories, or leap into the future, fretting over what's to come. But here's the thing: true transformation begins when we prioritize the presence of God.

What does that mean, exactly? It's about being fully aware of God's presence in every moment of our lives, not just during the Sunday experience. It's about recognizing that God is with us at work, at home, and yes, even during those mundane daily tasks.

Think about it: Mary, in the Bible, chose to sit at Jesus' feet while Martha busied herself with chores. And Jesus didn't condemn Martha for her busyness, but he praised Mary for choosing the better part—being present with him.

So, how do we prioritize the presence in our daily lives? It starts with prayer. Not just the rushed, last-minute kind, but intentional, heartfelt prayer. Take a moment to praise God for who he is, pour out your heart in thanksgiving, and present your requests with faith.

But prayer isn't just a solo act. It's about coming together as a community, sharing our burdens, and lifting each other up. It's about creating space for play, laughter, and genuine connection, both with God and with one another.

And let's not forget the power of sharing a meal. There's something sacred about breaking bread together, about the fellowship and communion that happens around the table. It's a tangible reminder of God's presence among us.

Ultimately, it's about living authentically, without the pressure to perform or conform to societal expectations. It's about being fully present, just as Jesus was—fully present in our joys and our sorrows, in our struggles and our triumphs.

So, as you go about your day, I encourage you to prioritize the presence of God. Take a moment to breathe, to be still, and to know that he is with you always, guiding you, sustaining you, and transforming you from the inside out.

Because in the end, it's not about what we do, but about who we are in his presence.