Present in the Moment

 In this episode of Letters to Isaiah, I reflect on the importance of being present and connecting with those around us in a world increasingly dominated by screens and technology. Drawing from personal observations and biblical wisdom, I share a heartfelt letter encouraging Isaiah to prioritize meaningful, face-to-face interactions and cherish the moments that truly matter. Through the story of Jesus and His intentional presence with others, we explore how being fully present is an act of love and faith. This episode serves as a gentle reminder to unplug, engage with the people we care about, and live in the moment. 

Transcript

Letters to Isaiah

December 8, 2024

Many of you may know of me from another podcast called Intentional Grounding for Athletes of Faith, but this podcast is special to me.  I’m not going to be here forever and my purpose of these letters is to create a timeless collection of wisdom, love, and guidance for my grandson, Isaiah.  Through these heartfelt reflections, I aim to share life lessons, biblical truths, and personal stories that will help him and perhaps even you or your family and friends navigate life's challenges and blessings. My hope is that these letters will serve as a lasting reminder of my unwavering love, faith in God, and belief in the incredible person he is destined to become. These are not just letters—they are a legacy of faith, family, and the values that truly matter.

Dear Isaiah,

Today is December 8, 2024. You are 219 days old, and even at your young age, you have a way of drawing people’s attention to the present moment. Watching you grow, laugh, and explore the world reminds me how important it is to truly be present—something that’s becoming more and more difficult for so many people.

This weekend, I found myself reflecting on how busy everyone is with their work, their tasks, and their devices. It seems like the more technology we have to connect us, the more distracted and disconnected we become. Ironic, isn’t it? Here I am, writing to you on my laptop, and you’re probably listening to this through some newfangled technology. But even so, my heart is in the right place—I want to remind you of the value of being truly present in your life and in your relationships.

The Power of Presence

Isaiah, life is full of moments that can pass us by if we’re not careful. The pull of screens, work, and busyness can rob us of something precious—our connection with one another and with God. The truth is, you’ll never get these moments back, and the people in your life won’t either. That’s why I want to encourage you to take time to unplug and focus on what’s truly important.

It’s not just about putting your phone down; it’s about engaging with the world around you. It’s about looking people in the eye when you speak to them, listening deeply, and appreciating the beauty of a simple moment. Whether it’s a dinner with family, a conversation with a friend, or time spent in prayer, being present transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.

A Lesson from Scripture

One of my favorite stories from the Bible about being present is found in Luke 10:38-42. It’s the story of Mary and Martha, two sisters who hosted Jesus in their home:

"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!'
'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'"

Martha was busy, trying to serve Jesus and make everything perfect. Meanwhile, Mary chose to sit at His feet and simply be with Him. Martha’s intentions weren’t bad—she wanted to serve—but she missed the most important thing: being present with Jesus.

This story is a powerful reminder, Isaiah. Sometimes we get so caught up in doing things—even good things—that we forget to focus on the people in front of us or on our relationship with God. Like Mary, we need to choose what’s better.

The Impact of Being Present

When you choose to be present in your life, you give others a gift that’s becoming increasingly rare: your full attention. You’ll find that it strengthens your relationships, deepens your experiences, and even brings you closer to God. Here’s how being present can make a difference:

1. In Relationships: People can tell when you’re truly listening to them. Being present shows others that they matter to you. It builds trust and makes your relationships stronger.
2. In Your Work: Focusing fully on one task at a time helps you to be more productive and creative. Multitasking may seem efficient, but it often leads to shallow work and burnout.
3. In Your Faith: Spending time with God in prayer, without distractions, allows you to hear His voice and feel His presence. It’s in those quiet, undistracted moments that your faith grows the most.

Practical Tips for Being Present

Isaiah, here are a few simple ways you can practice being present:

• Set Boundaries with Technology: Limit your screen time and turn off notifications during important conversations or family time.
• Schedule Unplugged Time: Make it a habit to set aside specific times to unplug from devices and spend time with loved ones or in nature.
• Listen Actively: When someone is speaking to you, make eye contact, put down your phone, and truly listen.
• Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the blessings in your life each day. Gratitude keeps you grounded in the present moment.
• Spend Time with God: Set aside time each day to read scripture, pray, and meditate on God’s word without distractions.

My Prayer for You

Isaiah, my prayer for you is that you will always value the gift of presence. May you have the wisdom to unplug from the noise of the world and the courage to focus on what truly matters. May your relationships be filled with love, your work be meaningful, and your faith be unshakable.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Isaiah and the joy he brings to our family. Help him to grow with a heart that treasures the present moment and values the people in his life. Teach him to find balance, to embrace stillness, and to seek You above all else. May he always choose what is better and never miss the beauty of the life You’ve given him. Amen.

Closing Thoughts

Isaiah, life will always be full of distractions, and technology isn’t going anywhere. But don’t let it steal the moments that matter most. Be like Mary—choose what is better. Sit at the feet of Jesus, spend time with the people you love, and live fully in each moment.

You are deeply loved, Isaiah. I hope this letter reminds you of what’s truly important and encourages you to live a life filled with presence, purpose, and faith.

With all my love,
Dziadzi