Day 9 – Connecting in the Busyness (Come Back to Me)

Have you ever gotten the feeling that the person you’re sitting with isn’t REALLY present? I mean, they’re physically present, but they’ve checked out mentally and emotionally?

“Hellooooooo?” … I’m here.

“Where did you go?” … Nowhere. I’m here.

“Come back to me, honey.” … What are you talking about? I’m here!

Except Elvis has left the building.

Yeah, I think we’ve all ‘checked out’ at one point or another. I know I’m guilty of it, especially when my kids are trying to get my attention and I’m focused on my ‘to do’ list. You know, those days when even “Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom,” doesn’t cut through the noise in your head.

Can you relate?  

When was the last time to offered your undivided attention to someone for longer than a few minutes? When was the last time you put your phone down and engaged in meaningful conversation with your child, or your spouse, or even God?

No, this isn’t a guilt trip. It’s only natural to become distant and distracted during seasons of high-pressure when our minds struggle to stop spinning.

But may I say this… DISCONNECTION IS OUR ENEMY whether it be disconnection with each other or disconnection with our Father.

As we enter this holiday season, it’s even more important to

stop…

breathe…

be fully present…

and enjoy the moments around you.

But HOW can we slow down long enough to truly connect?

I don’t think it’s rocket science… deep down, we all know what it takes to slow down and connect.

Talk is cheap, and we can’t tell people that we love them and then spend the majority of our time on our phones.

We always spend time and energy on things we VALUE.

So, if you’re finding it hard to connect, maybe it’s time to ask some challenging questions…

• What is really important to me? What do I really value (aka, where do I spend most of my time)?
• Can I reduce or remove anything from my busy schedule? Do I really need to bake ten different types of Christmas cookies, or will two be sufficient? What can I simplify?
• Do I really need to host a dozen Christmas parties, or can I downsize my expectations and spend my energy on quality time with my kids or spouse?
• And finally, do I really need to check my emails (or social media accounts) ALL day long, or can I limit my technology intake to once or twice a day?

Connection with God is the Key

Ultimately, everything is easier when we take care of our spirits and spend time with God FIRST. It doesn’t have to take hours—just set a timer, shut out the distractions, and do it.

Then get on your day and take God with you. It’s not about checking God off your ‘to do’ list. He’s always with you anyway.

 “But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do” (Psalm 73:28 NLT).

And from that understanding, everything else flows.

Have a blessed week!

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Today is DAY 9 of the 31 Day Challenge, and I am using it to explore UNFORCED RHYTHMS OF GRACE—how to live an amazing life without burning out or losing my joy.

Am I perfect at this? Definitely not, but I’m on a mission to do it better. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

Last week’s prompt word was NEAR, and we’ve been so busy that it’s taken me a week to post this. Linking up with the writers over at Five Minute Friday and Crystal Stine’s Write 31 Days.

To read more 31 DAYS OF UNFORCED RHYTHMS, click here!