I’ll be honest. Lately, I feel like I’m living with one foot here and another a world away. It’s a long distance to straddle.
You know, I’ve lived with my heart stretched that way for a long time, but because of advances in technology and social media, I’m able to be more present in the lives of my Kenyan friends. We chat on What’s App, message on Facebook and can occasionally Skype, too.
When I came home from living in Kenya, one of my Kenyan friends saved up her money so she could call me at Christmas, and even then, we could hardly hear each other.
Times have changed.
I love the fact we can send photos back and forth and answer each other’s questions more quickly. It makes doing this ministry thing much easier.
But it’s also harder, too.
Because I can only be in one place at a time.
If I’m being present there, I’m not fully present here.
Do you know that feeling? It can be nothing more than trying to check your bank balance while your kids are begging for attention. More likely, it’s checking your Instagram. Because social media makes it possible to catch up with friends in California, relatives in Rhode Island and people we barely know any where else.
This being present with others who are far away is a gift, but we have to remain present with those who are close, too.
It’s one of the greatest gifts we can give them, a present they won’t turn their noses up at.
Ourselves.
Our attention.
Our friendship.
Our presence.
So…
Put the phone down.
Close your laptop.
Turn off your tablet.
And pay attention to the people right beside you.
—————————————
Today at Five Minute Friday, Kate let us choose our own prompt. Join us and write for five minutes this Friday!
I hear ya friend! I have written less these last few weeks and have been absent from the internet because I have important ones in this home and in my real life that need attention more than my distant and cyber friends. It’s an important balance and a much needed word for this day and time period in our lives! Merry Christmas to you! (Your neighbor at FMF)
Same here! Merry Christmas to you, too!
Hey visiting from FMF today, I love your thoughts – its so true! I try and keep telling my hubby that, he has a tendency to get in a box of thinking and we can miss the moments that make life special. I want to be present, please God help me in this one! Have a wonderful holiday! Aliyah from South Africa (setapartwarrior.me)