Thankful Thursday 11-4-2021
Presence
Thankful Thursday reflects on presence. What does it mean to have a presence? Merriam Webster’s summary definition is:
Essential Meaning of presence
I say summary because it goes on to list the full definition (read all 6 with subsets here). So, there many means to this word. I want to focus on the first one listed in the summary.
When present with another person, our focus, attention, and energy are with and on them. Full presence is a gift. In the current age of technology, the gift is becoming more of a rarity. It takes intentionality to give it. I am guilty far too often of allowing the phone, tv, or other media distract me from those with whom I am directly surrounded or even the task before me. (I can’t even tell you the number of breaks that occurred during the writing of this little piece!)
As the holidays approach and our thoughts turn to the gifts we want to give each other, think about how you can fully give the gift of your presence to those in your life.
A coffee catch up.
A small town shopping day where you walk & talk together.
A refreshing hike in the woods.
Family and/or friends cookie making fun.
Tackling a remodel project together.
Pausing to pray together.
Needs some help in deciding? First spend some time reading the Bible. As you spend time in the Bible, God will make known to you the paths of life. In learning and following those paths, joy is experienced (as stated in Acts 2:28). Whatever the activity, put the electronics away or on silent so you can hear and enjoy the gift of your family and friends coming to bring their presence with you too.
Blessings to you!
Thankful Thursday 11-4-2021 Experience Opportunities:
All are invited to Worship both online and in person. Worship services occur at 8:00 am, 9:15 am, & 10:30 am. Sunday School will occur at 9:10 am. Masks are optional. To learn more about online worship, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.
If you want to be part of a prayer group joining in collective efforts to support and lift up others during your time with God, you can do so through our new Facebook group: Gravel Hill Prayers. It is a closed group to be mindful of the private and sensitive requests made. And it’s purpose is for you to be a prayer warrior both interceding where others are asking for assistance in prayer and requesting prayers for situations that need lifting. To join, please send an email to Katie.
