Five Minute Friday: Present

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community...

Five minutes on present...

GO 

I've had lots of people say that to me. Sometimes it seems cliche, but it always makes me think.  Am I here? Am I present in this moment?  There are lots of times that I'm not.  I fully admit to surfing the internet while the kids are watching TV.  My physical presence is there, but I am not present in that moment.  I do it to my husband too.  I tune out when he's talking to me and don't use those listening skills that youth group taught me about so well.

Being there for someone is a gift. It is a present to be present.  I like the way that word works both ways.  I feel like it is calling out a challenge to me today.  How can I be less concerned about my own little world and focus more on the world surrounding me?  How can I be more present in my own life?

While we were at our family reunion, Ken packed up the router and took it with him.  I had no internet when I got home (except on my phone).  I was actually a little bit sad when he plugged it in again last night.  That little box may be my biggest stumbling block to being more present.  And it's not that box's fault.  It's mine.  I own that.  And I am going to make the effort to give it a break.  To be more present to the people who are in my house, in my life, in my heart.  To give the gift of myself, my time and my attention to those physically in front of me.

Have a blessed day, friends.