Be Present and Just Be
By: Brendon Nussbaum
As I was thinking more about what I would write about and what it means to be purpose-driven in my own life, my two-year-old daughter kept coming to mind. Josie is a beautiful, adventurous, hilarious, and fiercely independent two-year-old that loves the word “no.” There is never a dull moment and being her dad has been one of the greatest joys in my life. It has also brought a lot of refinement in my own life (can anyone relate? 😊). One of the favorite parts of my day is when I walk in the door when I get home, and she greets me at the door with a hug. After said hug, she will run immediately to the back door and say, “Side, side.” That is code for outside. She LOVES playing outdoors, and it’s go time from there. If Josie is doing something that makes her think that she is doing something big in her own little eyes, she will often look to my wife or me to see if we notice her and looks to us for affirmation. She is looking for us to be present. If she doesn’t sense that, she will make it known immediately with her mighty little lungs. “DAAAAAAAAAAD!!!!! MOM!!!!!!!”
Lately, I am reminded that life and those precious moments with Josie and my wife continue to whiz by me at incredible speed. We live in a very distracting world nowadays, and getting sucked in and pulled in many different directions has become effortless. Life can be full of constant hurry, and we often forget how to be “present” and just “be.” A lot has happened over the past few years, and I have noticed that many are tired, worn out, and simply trying to keep up with life’s demands.
It has been on my heart to encourage all of us to do a heart check, ask ourselves where we are in the mix, and see if we are saying yes to too much. Are you taking time for yourself and the simple things in life? When did you last take the day off for self-care and rest? Maybe read a book or go for a hike out in nature. Or how about a date night with your spouse? When did you last take the kiddos out for ice cream or to the park to play? Or how about the last time you met with a close friend and caught up over coffee? When was the last time you felt you could be present and just be? Whatever may be tugging at your heart and demanding your time in this season, remember to slow down, say no, and make time for rest. It’s good for your heart and soul to be present and just be.
