The Gift of Presence

 Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Some are big, some are small, some are round, and some are tall. Gifts may be wrapped up in a box tied with a pretty bow, or be in a gift bag surrounded by colorful pieces of tissue paper. Gifts are usually given on special occasions, like a birthday, graduation, or holiday. There are times when we give or receive gifts for no special reason and just want to let someone know you were thinking about them 😊. Today, I want to talk about a gift that can be given every day. All ages can give and receive this gift. I have learned that gifts don't always have to be tangible and felt with a touch. I have also learned that we also don't have to wait for a special occasion to give. Today's gift I want to talk about is our presence 💖. I want to share how we can be present in the moments, for others, and ourselves. Our presence matters. We are seen, heard, and loved. At some point or another, you may have felt overlooked and not seen (I know I have!). You are not the only one who has felt that way before. Know that you are seen and loved 💖. Every day, we have to remember to be present in the moments. We have to stay focused in the day on what we say, what we do, and what's going on around us that may or may not need our attention. Side note: not everything needs our attention. Pray to God to show you if it does or not 🙏. I love the outdoors, so I'm always mindful to be present to all the beautiful creation and nature. We also have to show up for others and be present in how we treat others. I had the amazing opportunity to visit one of my neighbors this past Saturday who was celebrating an 80+ birthday. Being in her and her family's presence made my heart so full of joy💖! It reminded me of times when my brother and I were younger, and our parents would take us to visit our grandparents and great aunts and great uncles, especially on the weekends. I miss those times so much!! My parents, grandparents, and great aunts and uncles are no longer here 🙏. I'm grateful for the time they were here and memories I have. Visiting my neighbor this weekend also reminded me of visiting my Aunt Ida Lee, who is no longer here and I miss her so much! She was the last great aunt to leave in 2023, almost 2 years ago this April. When I wasn't visiting her, I used to talk to her every day, even if it was for a quick check-in to hear each other's voice. So, it did my heart real good to visit my neighbor this past Saturday💟. I did give her a card and she was appreciative. More importantly, she said something that really stuck with me. She said, "I'm just glad you came to see me." It reminded me of the importance of showing up for others. I know every day we may not be able to visit others, but we can be kind to all who cross our path in other ways. Say hi. Give a smile. Be helpful. Sit beside someone who needs support. Check in with someone by sending a text or calling them. Listen. Be encouraging. It may look different every day, but we can make a positive difference daily. Last but not least, let's show up for ourselves. We know ourselves best. Take the break. Go for a walk. Play the game. Take a nap. Watch your favorite movie or TV show. Enjoy outdoors. Step away from your electronic devices for a while. Here's the best one: keep being you! Know that God is with us always (Exodus 33:14). Be present in the moments God gives us. Let's make sure every day that we do something to be present for ourselves and others. Remember, our presence matters 💖!! Love and blessings to all!!