Recently I read a tribute a friend wrote about his father who had just passed away at age 95.
I read the tribute with interest because this friend is exceptional in character, gifts and effectiveness... so I wanted to learn more about the influence of his father.
In the tribute my friend made it clear the best gift his father gave him was that he was present in his life.
This got me thinking of several things I'll note here with the hope it will encourage you...
1. My biggest regret as a father of my own sons is that I have not been more present with them.
I've spent way too much time living in my own head... consumed with my cares and responsibilities... rather than enjoying being with them. I'm working on this.
2. One of the best gifts we can give to any of the people in our lives is our presence.
In a self-absorbed world, giving loving attention to others in your life is a treasure, and powerful.
3. God the Father has made it possible for us to live with Him -- in His presence -- thanks to His Son and Spirit.
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God..." (1 Jn.3:1).
Finally, I am convinced the effect of any of our lives has less to do with our intelligence and place in life as it does with how we handle this aspect of presence...
In other words... we will bring the most to our world when we are fully present and go about all our business in the presence of the Father.
'Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change' (James 1:17).
