The Wave is a Post Series on Identity, Character and Intimacy…
The Wave And Our Presence…
A lot of times when I catch up with family or friends our get-together will resemble a wave in the ocean…
One person will initiate contact with an e-mail or phone call, or maybe we run into each other somewhere…
Smiles, hugs and laughter are exchanged, and we feel all gushy-warm inside like chocolate-chip cookie dough…
We realize it’s been too long… too long since we’ve stopped to make time for each other… too long since we’ve shared a moment…
The affirmative nod is exchanged, and as further contact transpires, we make a plan and look forward to time together. The Wave is but a ripple at this point…
As the big day draws closer, the wave is building, and we may have additional contact and even invite other friends to join in…
This is an idealized scenario, because a big part of the gathering, or event, is what we’re bring to the table, in effect, Our Presence. If we’re bringing the right stuff, if we’re just being ourselves, and if we’re bringing a humbled spirit and softened heart, The Wave And Our Presence is huge!
The Big Event arrives: The Wave reaches a crescendo when we finally leave everything else behind and meet up. Often, our gathering picks up wherever we left off the last time. We talk, laugh and create a memory.
Typically, there is some sort of follow-up after The Big Event. Our heart is left feeling satisfied, and we yearn for more…
more of God’s love…
more good memories…
more of our company’s Presence…
Our family Thanksgiving gathering this year made me think of The Wave And Our Presence. It was the best Thanksgiving ever for me. A lasting good memory… and one that I will cherish for a very long time. Everyone showed up with the right, radiant spirit and together we created an appealing Wave.
It makes me look forward to the next Wave…
It makes me look forward to creating more good memories.
This Wave’s energy is the love created in our heart through the companionship we share with other people. It’s a gift we’ve received from God that we can enjoy and focus on every day of the year.
How was your Thanksgiving weekend?
What do you think we need to bring in Our Presence to make The Wave a positive lasting memory?
Chris, This is such an inspiring way of thinking about the momentum for relationships through the contacts we make. As an introvert, I often shy away from these encounters–I quickly dodge down the next aisle if I see someone I know in the grocery store. But thinking of them as encouraging relationship ripples is a great reminder that we’re meant for community and connections.
Gen 2:18….The LORD God said, “It is not good for man to be alone….”
yep Christine, enough of those dashes through the grocery store and you’ll be ready for next year’s Holiday Hotfoot!
I like the way you think about family gatherings and get togethers.
My Thanksgiving weekend was good. Had lots of food, a great time with family and meeting my sister’s soon to be in-laws, and spent lots of time with the wife. Couldn’t have been better.
Well… I suppose if it was a longer weekend then it could have been better.
so true Joe, it seems like they’re never long enough!
Really great thoughts here Chris!
Our Thanksgiving was awesome. we opended up our house for our whole family…and that’s a huge family on the side of my wife…
it was great to just eat and be merry…
I think the important thing was to be just that…Present…
no texting…
unplugging and just giving our undivided attention to those we love, so important Arny, Go Quality Time!! Glad to hear you had a wonderful holiday
Great post, Chris.
This reminds me of the Jew’s “wave offering” to the Lord. I like the idea that our relationships and time spent together are a pleasing sacrifice to God.
i didn’t think of that, great point Carol !!