Session 3

Being present is more important than being perfect

From Win at Home: A 14-Day Devotional

We don’t have a monopoly on hurried lives. Past generations bemoaned the same struggle. Simon and Garfunkel’s 1966 hit “Feelin’ Groovy” begins, “Slow down, you move too fast; you got to make the morning last.”

Dishwashers, washing machines, computers and the like help us complete tasks quicker. But instead of investing the time we get back into each other, we simply squeeze more into every day.

Israel’s King Solomon wrote, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he [God] grants sleep to those he loves” (Psalm 127:2). That’s not a slam on work; that’s a warning against addiction to work. It’s a warning against constantly chasing the next project, the next assignment, the next bonus, the next promotion.

Solomon had a kingdom to rule, yet he affirmed the need for balance. Jesus likewise told people, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Rest provides balance.

Granted, it’s hard to disengage from work when we manage our schedules and email on our cell phones. We have massive amounts of information available at our fingertips, so why wait? Get the answer now!

However, we need to ask ourselves, “What am I not doing so I can get on my phone right now?” Often, we’re temporarily disengaging with those in our home or with those across the lunch table. We sacrifice being fully present with someone so we can complete a task for ourselves or for someone else.

When we give ourselves space throughout the day, we’re able to be present to the Holy Spirit and to the people around us — family, roommates, coworkers. We’re able to enjoy where we are rather than rushing to the next big thing.

Reflect:

• What would the people who know you best say about your pace of life? Are you brave enough to ask them?
• What intentional step can you take this week to be fully present in your most significant relationships?