What does it mean to be "fully present?"
I believe it is the ability to recognize the Holy in each other. Seeing God in them - living and fully present just like God is living and fully present in you. It's recognizing the sacredness of relationships. Relationships with the other; spouse, child, employee, aging parent, friend, grocery bagger. Every human relationship.
Being fully present is a Divine gift - both to you and the other.
If you're a long time member of First Lutheran, you will most likely remember Lilly Stadum. Lilly was soft-spoken, gentle, kind, wise, and deeply faithful. She was always interested in the other. When I was in Lilly's presence, the world stood still. All became quiet and I had a deep sense of peace, acceptance, and of being known. All Lilly was interested in at that moment was me. She was fully present.
Many times I told Lilly that I wanted to be like her when I grow up. She would smile. My hope was that God would use me to be that same presence for others.
|