Women’s Devotion: Always Be Being
Always Be Being
“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness.”
Psalm 89:15-16
“Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what He does for us, not by what we are and what we do for Him.” Romans 2:3
Our family enjoys watching shows and movies together. Lately, we have finished Diary of a Future President (Disney+), The Babysitter’s Club (Netflix), and Doogie Kamealoha M.D. (Disney+). All are really good family shows that teach lessons about being a strong, driven, goal-oriented young woman in today’s changing society. All are led by strong female role models who have a drive to succeed, whether on a trip toward the white house, as young entrepreneurs, or as a 16-year-old doctor. But all of them have a key character trait (flaw?) that is present in our family as well: the drive for perfection and control overrides the ability to slow down and enjoy life.
In one episode, the young 16-year-old doctor “Doogie” and her mother, who is competing for chief of staff, have partners who have a surfer’s soul and remind them to “Always be Being.” This is especially astute as it is a play on the “Always be Closing” philosophy of business. The goal of “Always be Being” is to enjoy the company of those you are with. Enjoy the moment you are in, without focusing on where that moment will get you. This is a mantra I have tried to focus on lately, seeking that blissful serenity.
This is mindfulness—it is accepting what comes to us, and it is experiencing that God is present with us. As we struggle to achieve and complete tasks and move forward, we must be aware of the present and God’s presence. Enjoying the moment is enjoying His presence.
Last week at the Thanksgiving Eve pie social, we sat with some long-time friends and watched our college-age daughter gather with her closest friends from Sheridan at the next table. I have not given or received as many hugs as I did that evening. Smiles and joyful conversation permeated the air around the Family Life Center. On our way home we discussed just how great that hour was, how much we needed that moment of connection. We truly enjoyed that moment while we were in it. We are being. My prayer for you this holiday season is that you are Always Being. Revel in the lights, in the sounds, in the 60- and 70- degree weather, in the love that God shared with us and that are able to share with others.
Celebrate and appreciate God’s wondrous gifts by Always Being.
This month’s devotion is written by Melissa Abele. Melissa has been a member of the Women’s Ministry Team since it began. She and Jeff have been married for 22 years and have two daughters: Madalynn (19) is a freshman at University of Kansas and Lily (13) is a 7th grader at Lux. Jeff & Melissa own their own business, Grandstand Apps, a mobile app development company. In her free time, Melissa loves to read, travel, and spend time with family. The Sheridan community has been a true blessing and second home to the family since they joined more than 17 years ago.