9-7-20    THOUGHTS
I am sorry...
Before March of this year, I took you for granted.
I could hug you, or put my hand on your shoulder, or speak with you face to face.  I could look into your faces each time I preached.  Being together was US!  It was hard to understand someone not wanting that fellowship.  We encouraged one another then.  Life was so “NORMAL”.  It is so human to give attention to “the UNKNOWN-OVER-YONDER”, and downplay the precious “EVER-PRESENT”.  It is so human to see our problem after it’s no longer ever-present!  
I am Guilty ...

Is it that I really didn’t understand how important you were to me.  Surely I loved you and esteemed you as brother or sister... but it wasn’t as keen and sharp as it should have been.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder.   Surely, now that I can’t hug you, I understand that.   I ache for the fellowship that was once maybe too common.  At least my mind didn’t seem to embrace it all to the fullest!

I regret that.  When time comes, with your help, I will try to do better!  Ah, there you go again Phil... “when time comes”?   Some Day?  When I get time?   When I feel better?  
How about NOW?

Lord, help us to be fully present in every moment of our lives.

I think all of us understand what is said above.  Is there a current application... “EVER-PRESENT IN FRONT OF US”,  right now?  YES!   Your WIFE, YOUR HUSBAND, YOUR CHILD (that you put off because you’re too busy...).  Sometimes I believe we OVER-RATE  “MY TIME”!       LOVE IS NEVER A ONE MAN PROJECT.  

Eph 3:19   and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

If we are to be filled with the FULNESS OF GOD, we MUST BE FULLY PRESENT in every moment of our lives.  
 
1Pet 1:22    Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,

My Prayer:
We praise you our God from the depths of our heart.  You have shown us love and taught us to love.  Increase our desire and capacity for love.  Help us to die to self that love might reign in our lives.  Cause us to love now!  May we reach out to each other.  May our Savior Christ Jesus be our bridge between us in this time.    Make our hearts rich with your fullness Oh God.
In the name of Jesus                 Amen