I will fear no evil, for you are with me
~King David~
~King David~
I love movie quotes; one of my favorite coming from the movie “Tombstone.” Wyatt Earp is saying goodbye to Doc Holliday, who is on his deathbed. Struggling to say the appropriate words, he simply says, “Thanks, Doc, for always being there.” What a strong statement!
We live in a world of time demands, distractions and multiple priorities. Time, by far, is our most priceless commodity. No matter how you stretch, schedule or maneuver; you have 24 hours in a day, and not a second more. Within those 24 hours, we have a list of numerous tasks that need to be accomplished. As a society, we judge people on how much they accomplish within those 24 hours; so we focus, grit our teeth and bear down to get the job done. If we are not careful, the people we come in contact with become one of those tasks; something to be checked off the to-do list.
We love the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. He sums life up for so many when he says, “I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date! No time to say hello, goodbye! I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!”
One of the things I admire so much about Jesus is that he never seemed to be in a hurry. He always made time for people. He never saw someone as a task to be accomplished; but someone to be valued. He always made time to be there. His name, Emmanuel, literally means, God with us. Though his actions, and even in his name, God teaches us the importance of being present and in the moment.
Scripture is filled with examples of the ministry of presence. King David said, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear, for you are with me.” When Moses was giving final instructions to an intimidated Joshua he said, “Do not be afraid or terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”
Think back; who has had the most influence on your life? I am willing to bet that it is someone who spent time with you. They did not look at you as a “check off a list,” but as someone of value. They stopped what they were doing, and gave you some of their allotted 24 hours.
Allow me to be philosophical for a moment. I wonder at the end of life how many people regret not being able to accomplish more tasks; I think few. Rather, people toward the end of life, I believe, tend to regret neglected relationships. People wished that they had spent more time in relationships and practiced the art and ministry of presence.
As you go through your 24 hours today, I encourage you to take a moment, look and actually see those around you; then, be there. Save yourself some future regrets and make a positive difference in someone.
Blessings,
d
