In a world full of distractions, offering someone your full, undivided attention is one of the most generous gifts you can give. It’s a simple way to reflect God’s unwavering presence and show others they are seen and valued.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)
In today’s fast-paced, ‘time-poor’ culture, the gift of time is one of the most generous and impactful gifts we can give. I’ve been thinking about this recently, as I reflect on how often I allow distractions to creep in, even when I’m with those I care about most.
There have been moments when I’ve been physically in the room but not truly present – my mind preoccupied, my attention elsewhere. It’s a habit I’ve been working to change, especially as I consider the example of God’s unwavering presence. God is always present, always fully available to us, never distracted, never half-hearted in giving us attention. But how often do we fail to notice? How often do we forget to offer others that same focused presence?
Recently, I experienced what an extraordinary gift undivided attention can be. A busy leader of a large organisation unexpectedly gave me more time than I expected. The demands on their schedule were no doubt significant, but during our meeting, they were completely present – no glances at their phone or email, no hurried demeanour. Their focused attention made me feel seen, valued, and heard. It was a moment of genuine connection, and it has left a lasting impression.
That encounter challenged me. How often do I give others the gift of time and my full, undivided attention? How often do I allow distractions to stop me being fully present? That leader’s gift of time reminded me of how I want to show up for others – not just physically but with my whole self.
And being present doesn’t require grand gestures. A conversation without interruptions, a coffee with a friend, or simply listening attentively can make all the difference. It’s a simple yet profound way to reflect God’s own presence in our relationships.
Today, I’m reminded that time is one of the most precious gifts we can offer. Who might need that gift from you today?
Paul Woolley, LICC
Reflect
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 (NIV)
Pray
Pray for the awareness to be fully present with those around you, setting aside distractions to give them the gift of your time and attention. Ask God to help you reflect His unwavering presence in your relationships, making others feel seen, valued, and loved. Pray for wisdom to recognise who might need your undivided attention today, and for the grace to offer it freely as an act of love and generosity.
Act
Acts for you to consider today:
| Share a skill or tip with a colleague or friend. | ||
| Invite someone for a meaningful coffee or lunch conversation. | ||
| Surprise someone with an unexpected act, like babysitting, helping with a project, or covering a need. |
Watch
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About LICC
LICC’s vision is to see a world transformed for the glory of God through whole-life disciples of Jesus.
Their purpose is to catalyse a movement that envisions and empowers Christians to live as disciples of Jesus in their everyday lives - learning to live like Jesus from the inside out.
73% of young adults raised in Christian homes have left church by the age of 35. It's not because they've stopped believing in God or rejected Christianity. It's because they struggle to join the dots between church on Sunday and every other day of the week. Like most people, they struggle to see the relevance of the Gospel to their everyday lives and concerns.
The whole-life Gospel not only transforms the lives of individuals, but the world around them.
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