Today, being the anniversary of my mother in laws death, we spent some time reflecting on her life.
This photo is one of my favourites of her. Battling cancer, walking in uneven sand up from the old caravans were were living in. She had spent the time to come and visit and on the trek back to the car she didn’t miss a trick connecting with one of my younger sons.
It is such a reminder that life is ‘just’ a collection of moments where we can spend time and actually connect with others. The clothes, the money, the house, the bills, the food, the wrongs – non of it really matters. They are all just distractions from what really matters: connecting, sharing, loving.
As always, the Bible nails it:
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34 (NLT)
Your children, your spouse, your friends, will hardly remember the worries or concerns that took your attention. What really matters? Make the most of every opportunity: talk, listen, hug, read, play, race, tickle, joke…and if you have the incredible privilege of working or ministering with people you love? Enjoy it!
Right here, right now, in every moment you are with your family or those important to you, you have the opportunity to connect, to share, to love – just the way God intended. And, amazingly, He offers us the same incredible privilege:
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.” Psalms 27:8 (NLT)
God calls us to spend time with Him – to connect, to share to love.
God’s very name is about connecting – He is called the GREAT I AM. Not ‘I will be’ or ‘I was’ – but I AM. Right here right now. In the present.
No matter who you are, what pressures or problems you face, or what wrongs you have done – Jesus has paid the ultimate price for you. And that payment includes access to God the Father, the King of Heaven! Once your sin is death with, God will be listening to your prayers!
In fact, if you have accepted Jesus’ free gift of life, you become a son of God, a brother of King Jesus!
Time with Him is free, unhindered and incredibly powerful. That is why, when Jesus walked the earth as a human, He continually retreated away fro the crowds to spend time with His Father.
We can too. And from that place, we connect, share and love others too.
“Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Jesus
Lord, help us to make the most of the precious little time we have with those so special to us. And help us to turn to You to receive Your love, Your grace, Your perspective, Your joy, Your strength. Thank You for who you are!
Notes:
What if you are like me and you find those things difficult? Knowing they are important doesn’t help – feel. Free to contact us, or at least reach out to a Christian who understands. It’s more common than you think – and there is hope!