Delighting in the Gift of Presence

I knew I needed to change. Though I wanted to be fully present for each moment of my life, I felt myself answering the siren call of my phone far too often. It promised a few minutes of heady escape, but the momentary distraction always left me feeling guilty.

So, I decided that one of my goals was to focus on the word ‘present’. You see, I want to be intentional about being fully present for my life. I don’t want my children to look up from playing Polly Pockets and see me idly scrolling Facebook. I don’t want to snap at them when they ask me a question because I’m in the middle of typing an email. I don’t want my husband to have to repeat my name several times before I respond, simply because I’m too busy reading an article (probably about being a better parent, because #momlife).

So, I’m plugging in my phone upstairs more often, shutting my laptop, and opting for playing a game with them instead of watching a TV show. I delight in my family’s presence, and I want them to know it.

More and more, I find myself focusing on Psalm 16:11 (ESV), “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

The second phrase, “in your presence there is fullness of joy,” has continued to resonate in my heart. On a recent evening, a visiting friend didn’t leave until almost midnight. My contacts felt like they were glued to my eyeballs, yet I wasn’t in any hurry for her to leave because I delight in her presence. In that moment, there was no greater joy to be found than spending time together.

I want that same measure of delight to be present in my relationship with God, too. I want to approach my time with Him with the same eagerness that I approach watching my children’s antics or chatting with a dear friend well into the night.

With God’s help and a little intention, I can revel in the fullness of joy that’s been promised to us.