“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

"Just do it." Yes! Best slogan ever if you ask me! That's my native language. Doers are my people.

Now, what if it said, "Just BE it"? Harder, for me at least. I talked with a precious friend this week about an experience she had recently. Her close friend suffered the unbearable loss of a son last year. When asked what she needed most during her time of suffering, her response was, "Just be with me." It dawned on me that I would find that one of the hardest things to offer someone. Why I thought, would simply being present be difficult? The answer is because I "do for" people. Service is how I show my love. I will do for you with a joyful heart all day long but ask me to be, and that is a challenge!

As I considered this, I realized how little time I spend just "being." I rarely slow down long enough to simply sit with my children, with my husband, even myself, to be present with them. I do for them almost nonstop because that is how I love them. But I wonder, is that loving them the way they need it most? It also made me pause and ask myself, is this how I'm loving the Lord? Am I so busy doing for Him that I forget to stop and be with Him? What if the people I love most asked me to trade in my "do" for a "be"? How well would I do? How about you? When was the last time you responded when God or someone you love asked you to drop everything, surrender to-do lists, and tick off task lists to simply be with them?

If you struggle with mindful presence, this prayer from other Sheri Dursun is my prayer for us today.

"Loving God, I come to you as I am,

Rushed and frazzled, electricity buzzing from my fingertips,

Or sluggish, plodding through the mud, footsteps heavy and slow.

Whatever my pace, I have arrived at this precise moment with you.

Lord Jesus, I rest in the knowledge that you will meet me here,

At the crossroads of sorrow and joy,

Of confusion and clarity,

Of stress and serenity.

Heavenly Father, help me to pause.

To listen, and pray, and sit in the quiet

With you, my song blending with yours

In beautiful harmony

God of love, I pray for the inspiration to put away my plans,

And discover what you have in mind for me

I am listening. I am here with you.

I will be present.

I will just BE.

In Jesus' name, amen."