I am a checklist kind of girl – so much so that I will write things on my list that have already been accomplished just so I CAN check them off!  Needless to say, I was amazed when I first began learning about Jesus to discover that He was never swept up with a checklist!  

It’s true!

Not once do we ever read an account of Him unraveling a pocket papyrus and proceeding to go over it with a reed as he thought, “Let’s see here…healed a blind man, check; mass produced food for thousands, check; washed some feet, check…”

Instead what we do read is that He was actively and completely present in every situation – and, as a result, ready to help and serve the person right in front of Him at that particular moment in time. 

I don’t know about you, but this was a skill I hadn’t been very good at in the past and it can still be a challenge for me.

I learned many years ago, though, as a young Christian that we can’t give what we don’t have.

If we haven’t taken the time to BE present / in the moment with Jesus first (filling ourselves full with His Word, His heart, and His love for us), then we certainly won’t be inclined to be present / in the moment with other people. This type of genuine engagement comes from a place of overflow once we’ve been with our King.

In Acts 4:13, people detected that Peter and John had “… been with Jesus .” Their demeanor, boldness, and love for the lost and broken were clearly demonstrated in the overflow from their personal connection and interaction with their Lord.

This truth applies to us today – whether it’s introducing ourselves to a person we don’t know, taking a few intentional moments to speak kindly to that casher in front of us, or smiling warmly at a stranger passing by – it’s all just part of a checklist…

UNLESS we’ve BEEN with Jesus!

We reflect the qualities and characteristics of those we love, admire, and adore.  We emulate their heart to others we come in contact with.  This is precisely what happens when we sincerely take time daily to spend with Jesus as we get to know Him better and become more like Him.

Once we’ve been with Him, we’ll slow down and be intentionally present with the person God brings us face to face with in the moment – because it’s during those purposeful moments that the Holy Spirit will show us how to individually love and help that ONE soul.

So, what do you say?  During this season where checklists abound and people seem more desperate than ever for connection, will you join me in being with Jesus so that we can be present with each unique person God places in our paths today?

Until next time, Grace and Glory!