Have you ever tried hitting a moving target? Like at a carnival or fair, tossing a baseball or bean bag at something that’s moving back and forth or side to side — it’s no easy task. Your eye-hand coordination reveals how good (or not) you really are at striking that object in motion.
Well, that chasing activity can only hold my attention captive for so long before it frustrates me away. It’s rather enticing at first. Then it grows old quickly after several failed attempts. Anyone else?
The same can be said of trying to have a meaningful conversation with someone who simply won’t sit still. And I’m not referring to just fiddling with an object like a pen or paperclip. I’m talking about their whole body is moving — walking around the room, their back turns towards you, they’re preoccupied with another activity. Or maybe they continue striking the keyboard or their eyes are glued to their phones.
Without saying it with words, the message they’re conveying is: “You’re not as important as ____________.”
And I’ve heard a ton of excuses (yes, I’m calling it out) … “I’ve got to get this done, but I want to hear what you’re saying …” No, you don’t — not really. You’re not present.
While you may be occupying the same room (perish the thought the other person leaves the room and tells you to keep talking), the fact remains: the conversation now falls flat onto the floor.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from mama, it’s never be rude.
If the relationship is worth anything, it’s worth being present. There aren’t any dollar signs attached to that. Our eye contact is priceless. Our listening is treasured above diamonds.
Showing up is brought to fullness when the connectedness happens.
Otherwise you’re absent in plain sight.
The currency here: love.
16 We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers. 1 John 3:16 GWT
Maybe we need to take a moment to consider laying down our own agenda for the sake of listening to the heartfelt needs of another person. Putting our to-do list on the back table just long enough to be Jesus-with-skin (if you will) for someone’s tears to flow with eyes that meet our own. And perhaps we will have the blessed opportunity to share in that brief span of time where healing begins.
24 Let no one seek [only] his own good, but [also] that of the other person. 1 Corinthians 10:24 Amplified
Throughout Scripture, Jesus is described as walking (when He wasn’t on a donkey or in a boat). He even walked on water. I have yet to find a passage that denotes Jesus running — from or to people. However, I do read several times where He stopped for others. Jesus allowed for the interruptions of the day to be opportunities for healing and restoration.
So many times, we ask GOD to let us participate in His divine miracles that concern the lives of others. And yet, maybe the same number of times … we have walked away from actually doing the very thing we ask and pray for because it was inconvenient.
Let that sit with you for a bit.
Miracles and blessings don’t necessitate grandiose arrivals. Nor do they require a red carpet premier announcement. Sometimes they come in the form of the gifting of our time through an interruption in our day.
Simply be present. The gift will speak for itself.
You don’t need to search online for a great ‘BOGO deal’ or break down the doors of cyber shopping venues waving your code word coupon.
Show up. Be present. And watch hope illuminate the room like a floodlight.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
Titus Two 