BE ALL THERE!

Dear Abby,

I read this quote by Jim Elliot, missionary to Ecuador, written about 60 years ago: "Wherever you are, be ALL there!" The first thing I thought of was how frequently I am looking at the top of someone's head because they are looking down at a phone, iPad, or some other device. When Jim wrote this quote he didn't have this technology so he was referring to giving your attention to people regardless of the era you live in.

My point for you is to "be present when you are present!" (You can quote me on that one.) It is so important to give people our full attention when we are with them. We don't know what opportunities we are missing by zoning out or looking down at something all the time. We should not be walking around with a phone in our hand all the time as if our life depends on the next text or phone call we may receive!

Your generation will have to learn to put those things aside when you are in the presence of others be it church, family meals, or just visiting with friends. If you don't learn the appropriate time to use these, you will be robbed of deep intimacy that comes from face-to-face communication with people in your life. You will be like a bunch of marbles bumping into each other all the time.

So what will you choose to have people know you for? Will it be the top of your head or your sweet face and smile? Abby, wherever you are, be ALL there! May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other. I love you very much.

GRAMMY