Being present is a priceless gift.
I am enjoying an autobiography by a former vice president. I find his narrative of the day to day work that he did for his president and for our country fascinating. In one story, he tells about visiting people who had experienced a natural disaster. He spoke of how important it is to be physically present when folks are especially in need.
The weather in Jackson County was bleak this past Friday and Saturday. Ray and I had decided to stay close to home both days in order to rest up from what has felt like constant going hither and yon. We were letting Ray’s health concerns weigh heavy, and I confess that our moods inside our house matched the weather outside.
Our moods brightened on Saturday morning when we learned that we were going to have a visit from several of our grandchildren. At midday, they brought their lunch boxes to our house. We all ate together while watching a 1980s game show for kids that their mama introduced them to recently. It was fun to remember watching that show with our own children and seeing this new generation get such a kick out of it. These grandchildren love the 1950s and 1960s game shows we show them, and they really liked this one from their mama’s childhood.
They came back again a couple of hours later. This time they asked for a tea party. Of course they wanted chocolate chunks so we could have our traditional Perfect Chocolate Mint Tea. A grandson chose a set of antique snack plates that once belonged to Ray’s mother for all of us to use. They asked if we could have some of the PEEPS®, M&M’S®, and jelly beans they found on our counter. They each picked out a mug from our eclectic collection. A granddaughter chose this mug for me.
In the early evening, a friend of thirty years called to see if we’d like a visit. We were thrilled. This friend is our general practitioner. He wanted to come by to hear all the latest about what Ray’s specialists are saying. He patiently listened and gave us helpful information. He even went over Ray’s patient portal at Vanderbilt, explaining various test results. Most importantly, he encouraged us. He told us that Ray does have some serious issues but that he is otherwise healthy and that his general good health is very significant.
When it was time for him to leave, he knelt beside us as we sat on the couch. He held our hands and prayed a beautiful prayer for Ray and our family.
A day that began as a blue day became and ended as an encouraging day.
Present. Being present is a priceless gift.
You are giving your children the gift of being present. You are with your children. One of the most important things you are doing when you homeschool is simply being with your children.
When your child makes a discovery about clouds or insects or a Biblical truth, you are there.
When your daughter draws a picture that she likes, you can share her pleasure.
When your son builds a Lego castle, you can tell him it is amazing.
When your child is disappointed, you are there to comfort.
When your teenager gets disillusioned, you are there to give hope.
On Sunday we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus appeared to several people after the resurrection. One day the eleven disciples went “to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.” There He gave them a charge and a promise. The promise was the blessing of His presence — always.
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying,
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father
and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I commanded you;
and lo, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
This is a beautiful post! Thank you for the reminder that “being present is a priceless gift.” We are continuing to pray for you and Mr. Notgrass. You are both quite dear to our family.
So very grateful, Michelle.