Today’s Reflection
BEING PRESENT involves letting go of our current preoccupations, immersing ourselves in the here and now, and giving ourselves wholeheartedly to whatever is at hand. Involving far more than being merely physically present, it’s about becoming more aware, alert, awake to the fullness of the immediate moment. If we are with another person, it means engaging him or her with all of our heart, our mind, our soul, and our strength. Such wholehearted attention requires patience, time, and disciplined effort. And it is one of the greatest gifts that we can give to those around us, especially our suffering neighbor. When a priest asked the Russian spiritual writer Catherine de Hueck Doherty what contribution he could make to a hurting and broken world, she answered simply, “Your presence, Father.”
—Trevor Hudson, A Mile in My Shoes: Cultivating Compassion (Upper Room Books, 2005)
Today’s Question
Who needs your presence today? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.”
—Proverbs 22:1 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Give me the eyes to see when others hurt, the ears to hear when others cry, and the courage to bring light into their darkness.
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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2 Comments
I do not know who needs my presence today. But, I will be mindful to fully engage with whomever I interact with. I have a tennis match this evening. My friend, whom has modeled so well listening presence, will be picking me up to ride together. I have learned much from her and she has been steadily at my side these past two years. She is the one who invited me to her church and welcomed me in to her small group study.
As I was praying this morning, it occurred to me that it was two years ago today – I woke up the last Sunday of September – two days after taking my first treatment and the fingers on my right hand had decreased in swelling an unbelievable amount. At the time I was not permitted to play tennis. So grateful for how effective the treatment has been and for several weeks currently with no swelling or pain. It will be good to play tennis this evening.
So grateful for communication from Marcy. I am thinking Andrea is traveling – may she and her party be safe and enjoying the time away. Thinking of Betsy, Rusty and K. Traveling mercies for Robert, as he returns from Massachusetts.
May Sunday blessings be bountiful and may our worship of Our Great Father be in spirit and in truth.
Thank you, Jill, I had a safe trip home despite a detour through Fitchburg MA.
I have several people with whom I try to be as present as I know how. Did that with my son when I got home, we had a nice Japanese bento and sushi dinner.
Thankfully the deck refinishing is done, my son has it looking great.
Wonderful that Jill’s treatment has been so helpful and tennis is possible with a new church and study group friend. You are blessed, Jill. Prayers for you, your Dad, and Becky.
Yes, hearing from Marcy was a special treat. Sure hope and pray there is continued progress toward healing. Marcy, God most surely is with you. I’m very thankful for that.
Ate dinner Friday night in a Henry Richardson designed station in Palmer, MA and saw an Amtrak train whizz past. The station served the Central Vermont and the Boston & Albany as the New York Central is called in New England. At one time there were 7 railroads in Palmer.
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