We are no longer a “present” people. We’re distracted with information at warp speed. We constantly multi-task. We have access to music, movies and sports 24/7. No longer do we have to wait for our favorite television program to appear on the schedule. We can stream it. Now. On demand.
How does that affect our relationships? Recently my husband and I agreed to lay the phones and computers aside when we are watching something together. We had to decide to do that. It’s so easy to half-heartedly watch a movie now as you’re scrolling through latest news on your phone. We have so much information before us that’s it overwhelming and most of it is useless. Do we really need to know what 16 of our friends ate for breakfast? Does it benefit us to know who is checking in at the movies? What’s to be gained by reading the latest angry rant of a person we barely know?
Just because you give a friend a “thumbs up” on social media doesn’t mean that you’re in total agreement. Even though you share a meaningful article, does it really indicate your belief system? Do abbreviated text messages really draw you closer to one another? I think not. Everyone is stressed. We don’t have time. Everything moves faster than ever before but we have less and less time for the important. We have information everywhere….yet it gets us nowhere.
God is just the opposite. He’s always there. He never leaves us. In Genesis 16:13 Hagar expressed her knowledge of God during a very troubling time in her life. “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.'” Even through tough times God is there. He’s always there. He’s ready to listen. If the God of the universe is willing to spend time with us, why can’t we spend time with others? And more importantly, why do we not prioritize time with our Heavenly Father?
Years ago I was quickly sinking into the well of depression. One of my friends took the day off work just to sit with me. She was the busiest friend I had. She had a demanding job, was raising three children and had a husband that worked odd hours. The fact that she made time for me was the most valuable gift she could have given. It might just be that your presence will be the greatest present someone will ever receive.
God’s presence is everywhere. He’s always there for us. He proved His love for us when He gave us His Son. Now that is everything.
Adopted Through Grace 