After The Work

What is it to be present? Two people can sit on at train next to one another, but are they truly present with one another? Two people sit on a couch watching tv are perhaps more present that the two on the train given the likelihood of familiarity. Are they on the couch present with one another? There certainly is a link between giving our attention and presence. In fact, two people can connect over the internet miles apart, and they are more present with one another than the two on the couch.

Our entertainment culture throws up many barriers between others. Our smart phones are meant to connect us, but in fact can distract. It is possible for everyone to be in the same room together, each watching their own program. Community around a television show broadcast at a certain time, family and nation watching together, is shrinking.

Presence indicates attention, which acts as a doorway to consider one another. Through the doorway is empathy, to see and be seen truly, deeply. The joy of relationship far outweighs the joy we experience doom scrolling on our phones. Presence also requires willingness. We have to make the time and space for us to be present with one another. Calendars have to be shifted, habits need to be broken in order for us to initiate and enjoy presence.

God is the epitome of Presence. He is “omnipresent” or “all present.” God has knowledge of us we cannot comprehend and empathy we cannot fathom. God knows us truly, deeply, more than any friend or lover. He is not uncomfortable with us, but stands ready to befriend us. Jesus is the sign and mediator of this Presence, manifest in his Holy Spirit.

His Presence is many things, holy, powerful, humbling, but also a Joy! Psalm 16:11 reminds us of this joy, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” God’s presence fills us with joy and is eternal. It gives us Life and life in full. Sharing this Presence with the Lord is truly an experience.

God has sprinkled this Joy into relationships. Where we find understanding, compassion, honesty, love, trust–having someone else know what we are thinking, all blessings that are but a mere taste of the Lord. Make the most of your time together by being present with one another. Practice the Presence of God.