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Delighting in the Gift of Presence

  • Kristin Demery
  • January 19, 2023
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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.

Person Not Perception

March 31, 2023

The Appearance of Growth

March 30, 2023
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Kristin Demery

A career in journalism set Kristin Demery up to one day publish her own stories of living this wild, precious life. She is now an author of numerous books—including her newest, One Good Word a Day (Tyndale, 2021)—and part of a trio of writers collectively known as The Ruth Experience. Kristin served as a newspaper and magazine editor, and her work has been featured in a variety of publications, including USA Today. An adventurer at heart, she loves checking items off the family bucket list with her husband and three daughters.

1 comment
  1. Judy says:
    January 19, 2023 at 7:49 am

    Thank you for this! I have selected a word for the year of presence/present for these very same reasons. I want to bask in the presence of God and be more present in the moments of my life – with those I care about and the things God is calling me to do without trying to be 10 steps ahead of where I am!

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