S17 E5 - The Ministry of Presence

In this episode, we talk about what it means to bring God's Presence into our relationships with others. Through His life, Jesus shows us how to live at the pace of the Holy Spirit and create space for authentic connection. We explore how easy it is to overlook the significance of ordinary moments and how, through slowing the pace of our lives, we have powerful opportunities to love, listen, and become more attuned to those around us. We also discuss the importance of healthy boundaries, the freedom that comes from not needing to fix others, and how it's God's love that shapes how we show up for the people in our lives.

Heather's One Thing - This Wild at Heart Podcast series with Jon Tyson (Part 1) (Part 2) Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Lila Rose Show with Msgr Rossetti Michelle's One Thing - Raise a Hallelujah by Bethel Music, Jonathan Helser, and Melissa Helser

Journal Questions: How can I show up for people in my life in this season? How do I need others to show up for me? In what ways do I lose myself when entering into the suffering of others? Do I need to create a boundary in any of my relationships?

Discussion Questions: What margin do you need to create for yourself so you can be more present? What is your biggest obstacle to being present to your loved ones? How can you prioritize being present to Christ and what He's doing in you? What would it look like for you to give from a place of security?

Quote to Ponder: "More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets. It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn't be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them, but truly love them." (Henri Nouwen, Gracias: A Latin American Journal)

Scripture for Lectio: "O Lord, thou hast searched me and known me!" (Psalm 139:1)

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