Being Present

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I’ve noticed, as a mom, my social skills are lacking. I either forget how to have adult conversations, or all I talk about is baby related topics, or I just don’t talk at all because I’m so focused on what my baby needs, in that moment. And while I don’t want to discourage you from taking care of your child, I do want to encourage you to be present. 

Being present is more than just physically being there. It’s being emotionally and intellectually there. It’s actively listening to what others are saying and asking questions. It’s asking people how they are and caring about HOW THEY ACTUALLY ARE - not just letting them respond with “fine” or “good” and moving on. Because if we are all being honest, most of us aren’t “fine” or “good”. Most of the time, we are in one of three places...

  1. Mountaintop - a place were everything seems to be going right. 
  2. Valley - a place where everything seems to be going wrong. 
  3. Somewhere in between - most days are good, a few challenges, but nothing that sets you over the edge. 

No matter where we are, it’s so important, as Christians, to be invested in those around us. This includes your family, friends, and yes, even the cashier at the grocery store. 

Philippians‬ ‭2:3-5‬ says, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”

I realize this is one of those things that’s easier said than done. I have a 4 month old and she can require a good bit of attention, at times. But I also have friends who are going through things, and if I’m being honest - I haven’t been the friend I should be - I haven’t been the friend Jesus would’ve been. Which is why I’m writing this, so that maybe you too will recognize your behavior and turn towards Christ to help you recognize and correct your steps. 
‭‭
xo, A

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