Being Fully Present

by Shelly Erickson

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.​

Culture elevates the idea of busyness. It tells us the busier we are the more productive and valuable we are. This noise gets into our heads and we begin to believe that if we are to be valued, we need to be busy – moving fast. Where does this idea of busyness lead us? Many times to the doctor’s office, therapist's office, and emergency rooms.

What does Jesus have to show us about being fully present? In the midst of busy ministry times, with crowds pressing in on him, Jesus would stop and become fully present to the person before him.

Jesus was all about relationships. Honoring and fully loving the other. Listening. Focusing with loving eyes and heart.

All we have is this very moment. No promises for the next. Focus on Jesus and allow him to settle your heart and mind because he will. And then be that loving presence to another.

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.​ ​Matthew 6:34 (The Message)

-- Shelly

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