Here
This word means “in this place” and it usually refers to the place where you are or where I am. I have been one place and my mind be another. This can be confusing. I really try to be wherever I am. If I let my mind wander off and go to another place, then I’m not truly present here. Being present is a gift that I can gift to others.
I must admit that I’m easily distracted by my phone. I have texts, emails and phone calls that seek my attention and it’s easy to ignore the person in the room with me when the notifications go off that someone else needs my attention.
I love the story of Jesus rescuing His disciples from the storm. I suspect that their bellies were full after the feeding of the five thousand where there were twelve basketfuls of left-over bread and fish. (That’s one basket for each disciple!) Jesus had sent them across the lake, and he went into the hills alone to pray. Check this out….
47 Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them,49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, 52 for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in. (Mark 6:47-52 NLT)
“Wherever you find yourself, there you are!” (I’m not sure if that was a Confucius quote or not. I want to be present wherever I am. I want to try to schedule time and make time for other connections or interruptions. More than anything, I want Jesus to be here with me. When I’m afraid, I turn to Him. When I’m unsure of what the next step is, I turn to Him. When I’m frustrated and even angry, He calms my soul. His Presence here brings perspective to the places I go and the places I find myself in.
I am so thankful for His Presence in me and with me. He is here with me this morning. He is with me wherever I go. He is with me wherever I am.
Pressing On!
Dwayne