YOUR PRESENCE IS REQUESTED

Hello! I know, it’s been a while. I haven’t posted a blog post for quite some time. I’ve been a bit distracted. Yes, it happens, and unfortunately, it’s happened a bit too much lately.

As I look back on the past six months of 2018, I’m amazed at the numerous tasks and projects I’ve completed, or I’m in the process of completing. However, these projects have also been a distraction, keeping me from doing the important stuff, the stuff that matters most, such as faith, family, my blog platform, and mentoring.

Your Invitation to Attend

You see, my presence was requested, and so is yours. It’s not only the early morning hours or the evening hours that we should spend time in reflection. We are called to spend time with our heavenly Father throughout our days. My question for you is, are you accepting the invitation or politely declining due to busyness?

I looked up Merriam-Webster’s definition of presence: the act of being in a particular place; the state of being present; the area close to someone; someone or something seen or noticed in a particular place.

Your “presence is requested” is an invitation for you to attend an event. Your physical being is invited to be present in a particular place and time.

Distracted by Busyness

You most likely receive invites from family, friends, church members, or community activities throughout the year for various events. It seems there is a surplus of planned gatherings these days, and if we are not careful, our calendars fill up with appointments, dinners, and parties, leaving very little time for rest or reflection. It’s that “badge of busyness” so many of us are honored to wear and share.

But it’s not an honor. It’s a flag, a warning sign that we are perhaps doing too much and need to prioritize.

I’m in a season of waiting, a time to be still. But I do get distracted. Invites to events, committee meetings, fundraisers, you name it, a lot is going on in my small town. And, before I realize it, I’ve said yes, and I find myself in the middle of something that I should have declined. My excitement to say yes distracts my family and me. It is in these moments that I must be still and listen as I seek God’s direction. And we both know that will only happen when I intentionally get quiet and seek His will.

Let Go, Sit Down, Be Still

Although the projects and meetings have a purpose, much of what I am spending my time on is not what God had in mind for me. While I’m running around making things happen, God is waiting patiently for me to let go, sit down, and be still.

“Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.” Psalm 143:8 CEV

In these moments of reflection, my heart stirs, and He speaks. I know full well I need to prune my schedule.

To truly grow, I need to cut back on my appointments and free up my calendar. So, my response is: no, but thank you for thinking of me. My presence is required elsewhere.

God First

Some individuals will understand my decision, and some won’t, and that’s OK. I can’t base my decisions on a need to please others. God first. It may take you some time to feel comfortable bowing out of commitments. It took me a while to set boundaries, too. My advice: seek God’s will in your decisions. He will light the way.

Are there any commitments you need to review and possibly decline? Do you need to step back and realign your busy schedule? I encourage you to take some time and reflect on your priorities. I encourage you to be present. Accept His invitation to join Him at this very moment and reflect on His goodness.

“Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God. I am honored among all the nations. I am honored over all the earth.” Psalm 46:10 The Voice

Image Credit Parinaz Wadia Design